Direct flight vs connecting flight to Sri Lanka via Gulf carriers - which is more reliable?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 23 days ago
TL;DR
A direct Aeroflot flight costs only $50-60 more than connecting options via Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Muscat, but avoids the risk of tight layovers and flight cancellations common with Gulf carriers.
What the community said
After Emirates cancelled a flight, had to switch to Oman Air - no cancellations, but frequent delays. A planned 4-hour layover in Muscat shrank to just 45 minutes due to delays on both legs; made it to the gate with only 10 minutes before boarding closed, and late passengers were not allowed through.
29 days ago Oman Air, Muscat layover
A direct Aeroflot flight booked for a late-November date cost around $400 (32,000 RUB). Saving about $50-60 by flying via Gulf carriers isn't worth the extra time lost on layovers.
36 days ago Aeroflot, ~$400
On Etihad, the original connection time was 1h10m, but the airline sent an email in advance shortening it to 50 minutes. Both legs ended up arriving ahead of schedule (20 minutes early in Abu Dhabi, an hour early on arrival), with good meal service including wine.
43 days ago Etihad, Abu Dhabi layover