Oman Air and SalamAir Deliver Major Capacity Increases for Khareef Season, Adding 192 Extra Flights for July
Oman Air and SalamAir have significantly expanded their Salalah operations for Khareef Dhofar 2026, increasing daily seat capacity by almost 400% during the busiest days. Oman Air has increased the number of seats available to Salalah from approximately 675 per day in April to more than 3,000 on days of highest demand, while SalamAir has increased its own daily capacity from 495 seats per day to 1,505 per day over the same period. Together, the two airlines have added 192 extra flights and 35,639 additional seats on the Muscat-Salalah route during July alone. As well as expanded domestic services, the airlines have also introduced several new international services, making it easier than ever for both Omanis and international visitors to experience Dhofar during its most celebrated season.
Prioritising both accessibility and affordability, Oman Air has maintained its fixed national fare for Omani citizens at the same level introduced in 2023, offering return flights between Muscat and Salalah for just OMR 54. SalamAir continues to offer its popular residents fare, starting from just OMR 9.99 one way, and recently celebrated the arrival of its newest aircraft, 'Salalah', by offering every seat on its inaugural return flight at OMR 9.99.
Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “Khareef is one of Oman’s greatest tourism assets and, as the national carriers, we have an important role to play in making it more accessible than ever. This programme reflects our commitment to serving both sides of that mission: ensuring Omanis continue to benefit from affordable travel through our unchanged national fares, while expanding our international reach to bring more visitors to Dhofar. Every additional flight represents an opportunity to support local businesses, strengthen the tourism economy and showcase the very best of Oman to the world.”
Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, added, “We are proud to support the growth of Khareef, as one of the most anticipated tourism seasons in the region, through our largest seasonal operation to date. By expanding our network, increasing frequencies and enhancing capacity, we are making it easier than ever for travellers from across Oman and the region to experience the unique beauty of Dhofar. Accessibility and affordability remain at the heart of our strategy, which is why we continue to offer our dedicated residents fare alongside additional promotions. Initiatives such as these reflect our commitment to supporting domestic tourism while contributing to the Sultanate's broader tourism ambitions under Oman Vision 2040."
Throughout Khareef, guests will be able to choose from up to 23 daily flights between Muscat and Salalah at convenient times. Meanwhile, SalamAir’s daily Sohar-Salalah service provides direct connectivity between North Al Batinah and Dhofar. Enhancing international access to Dhofar, Oman Air recently launched a new direct service between Dubai and Salalah, alongside a new weekly charter service between Bahrain and Salalah, in partnership with Discovery Travel. SalamAir has also introduced seasonal direct flights from Dammam and Baghdad to Salalah. Together, these services are expected to bring thousands of additional visitors to the governorate throughout the Khareef season, supporting hotels, local businesses and the wider tourism economy.
As the Sultanate’s national airlines, Oman Air and SalamAir continue to play a vital role in supporting Oman's tourism sector by providing enhanced connectivity, increased capacity and greater travel choice throughout the Khareef season. Through their combined efforts, both airlines remain committed to facilitating travel across the Sultanate, supporting economic growth and contributing to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Background Information
Oman Air
Oman Air is the flagship carrier of the Sultanate of Oman and an Official 4 Star Airline (Skytrax 2011). Founded in 1993, the airline has since witnessed massive growth and has played a major role in making Muscat an important traffic hub in the Middle East, supporting the commercial, industrial and tourism sectors.
The airline currently operates direct international flights from Muscat to Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Madina, and Kuwait, in the Gulf region, as well as Cairo, Amman, Tehran, Mashhad, Najaf, Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam within the wider Middle East/Africa region.