Why is it necessary to descend from 40000ft to 30000ft from Trivandrum VOMM airspace, then Mumbai VABF to position KITAL? All this towards the end 16 hours flight. Indians say restriction comes from Muscat! FL340 and FL400 are not allowed, yet as I read the notam, it was allowed no other traffic above or below of course, as we saw it, but still "MAINTAIN FL300" and increase Mach to make KITAL on a constraint. Guys must have a sense of humor somewhere in Muscat or Mumbai!
Had pity for the Emirates (412/406/424 one of these) flight the other day, put into the hold for 21 minutes at FL270 near Mumbai, whilst enroute to Melbourne from Dubai. Could not believe it!!!!
ATC leaves a lot to be desired from Muscat to Mumbai and back!