Passengers checking in irregularly shaped luggage at the Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport will be charged a handling fee, airport authorities said.

Baggage not meeting the minimum dimensions or exceeding the maximum limit, flat screen TVs larger than 43 inches and blanket and rope wrapped baggage will fall under the 'out-of-gauge' category and will be subject to the new charges.

According to a circular issued by Oman Airports Authority, this decision was undertaken to reduce the number of 'difficult-to-handle' luggage which scanners may not be able to read electronically and which may be damaged or lost during operation handling.

Additionally, certain luggage types will be waivered from the charges. These include wheelchairs, strollers, special type of luggage permitted based on airline offering and certain passenger-centric type luggage such as golf bags and musical instruments.

The new baggage rules have been introduced to help improving baggage services for all passengers at Muscat and Salalah Airports. - TradeArabia News Service