Travellers flying out of Oman’s Muscat International Airport will need to add a little extra time to their schedule because there’s been a slight tweak to Oman Air’s boarding requirements.

The Sultanate’s national carrier now requires flyers to report to the electronic boarding gates at least 40 minutes before their flight departure time, The Oman Observer reported. After the 40 minutes, boarding gates will be restricted meaning passengers will not be able to pass through the electronic reading area and may not be able to board their flight.

Going into effect from 4 August 2024, the change is designed to smoothen the travel experience and allow for a smoother travel experience through passport control and security.

Oman Air’s check-in procedures will remain unchanged with check-in counters closing 60 minutes before the flight departure time. Departure gates will also continue to close around 20 minutes before the flight.

The change to the airline’s boarding procedures comes shortly after the carrier received the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff in the Middle East. Con Korfiatis, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer believes the company’s unwavering dedication to a service-oriented culture contributed to the win.