Oman Air has just launched a new route to Europe, and I can’t help but find this to be one of the most interesting fifth freedom flights we’ve seen from a Gulf carrier.
WY425 Muscat to Baghdad departing 1:00PM arriving 2:55PM
WY425 Baghdad to Copenhagen departing 3:55PM arriving 7:25PM
WY426 Copenhagen to Baghdad departing 8:25PM arriving 3:25AM (+1 day)
WY426 Baghdad to Muscat departing 4:25AM arriving 8:00AM
The segment between Muscat and Baghdad covers a distance of 1,082 miles, and is blocked at 2hr55min westbound and 2hr35min eastbound. The segment between Baghdad and Copenhagen covers a distance of 2,161 miles, and is blocked at 5hr30min westbound and 5hr eastbound.
As a result, the airline is increasingly operating Boeing 737s in markets where competitors fly some of their largest aircraft. It’s an interesting strategy, because in terms of capturing connecting traffic, you can really only compete on price when you’re offering that kind of product.
For those flying to or from Baghdad, new service to Copenhagen and Muscat is potentially useful. That being said, for all other passengers, I can’t help but wonder how this stopover point will be perceived. Look, I’d love to fly through Baghdad, and really want to fly Iraqi Airways.
However, for the average person on this flight — likely someone who booked a cheap ticket between Bangkok and Copenhagen — I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re caught off guard, and I can see a few social media posts brewing about this, for those who don’t check their ticket carefully.
Again, I’m not suggesting there are actually any safety concerns, or anything, but I’m looking at this purely from an optics perspective. Given the perception some people have of Iraq, I think it’s probably something that will raise eyebrows.
Bottom line
Oman Air has just launched flights to both Baghdad and Copenhagen, with both destinations being served by the same flight. The idea is that Baghdad is on the way to Copenhagen, so this essentially allows the airline to serve two destinations with three different market combinations (beyond connecting traffic).
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.
