Review Muscat Primeclass, a lounge the size of an Italian provincial airport

Muscat is the capital of Oman, the airport is the home of Oman Air, the terminal is brand new and, like all Middle Eastern airports, it is pure opulence.

During this pandemic period Oman along with Qatar has been one of the states in the area with the strictest rules and to this day still has its borders closed to virtually all travelers.

The fallout is obvious; an airport that can easily handle 5 million passengers a month is virtually deserted, and incoming and outgoing flights can be counted on the fingers of two hands. In 90% of cases, the few passengers you see around the terminal are in transit.

There are only two lounges, the first is owned by Oman Air and is open to passengers traveling in first or business class, the airline does not participates in no global alliance And so there are not many other opportunities to enter.

The other VIP lounge is the Primeclass Lounge, located on the fifth floor of the facility. Like everything else at this airport, it is huge and offers services unimaginable anywhere else in the world. The lounge is open in addition to business passengers of airlines operating on this stopover, also to all Priority Pass holders.

It is possible to get the Priority Pass card for free included in the card fees American Express Gold, which gives away two accesses each year, or to the American Express Platinum which instead gives unlimited, year-round access worldwide.

That it is not your classic small independent lounge is clear from the entrance. Admittedly, because of the pandemic some amenities, such as the ability to relax in a real double room that would not disfigure even in a 4-star hotel, are not available. But the rest, enough is enough.

Not even Dubai airport offers anything comparable; indeed, the independent lounges at the busy Emirates airport are not even on the same planet.

The model is that of a buffet served under the strictest security protocols.

Here again we see a completely different approach than that chosen by Singapore authorities for Changi Airport.

Not only can one roam freely around the deserted airport, but also take almost full advantage of the lounge facilities.

Also included is a barista capable of serving, for these latitudes, an excellent cappuccino.

If you want, you can also buy some souvenirs.

The lounge offers everything from sofas to armchairs. From restaurant-style tables to chaise lounges where you can sleep undisturbed while waiting for your flight.

On a typical day it would have been super crowded, on this late July morning instead we were less than 10 guests present.

An important smoking area is inevitable; there are two in this lounge.

Separate discussion deserves the bathrooms, worthy more of a royal palace than an airport; marble is everywhere and there is absolutely no shortage of space.

Amenities include a convenient area with lockers to safely leave a bag while taking a tour of the airport or simply so you don't have to keep an eye on everything all the time.

• Priority Pass