Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced its operational readiness for the 2026 Khareef Dhofar season, running from 21 June to 20 September, confirming a coordinated national plan to expand air connectivity and increase capacity on the high-demand Muscat–Salalah route.
The Authority said the plan, developed with key
stakeholders, aims to manage rising passenger volumes during Oman’s peak
tourism season while ensuring smooth and efficient travel.
Enhanced schedules
and additional capacity have been introduced across both Oman Air and Salam Air
to meet expected demand.
Oman Air will operate flights on the Muscat–Salalah route
from early July until 5 September 2026, with services reaching up to 13 daily
flights during peak periods, compared to 12 daily flights in 2025.
On high-demand days, operations may rise to 14 flights.
Salam Air will operate from early July until 31 August 2026, offering up to 10
daily flights during peak periods.
Salam Air is also increasing its total operations to 984
flights this season, up from 962 last year, reflecting stronger capacity
planning.
Oman Air’s expected seat capacity is around 330,000 seats,
up from 313,000 in the previous season, while Salam Air will provide
approximately 190,844 seats.
Passenger forecasts indicate continued growth, with Oman Air
expected to carry about 298,000 passengers, an 8% increase year-on-year.
Salam Air is projected to transport over 166,000 passengers,
slightly higher than last season.
The CAA confirmed that Oman Air continues to maintain
regulated fares for Omani nationals at RO 54 ($140) for round-trip tickets and
RO 32 for one-way travel.
Salam Air will offer tiered pricing starting from RO 9.99
for early bookings, with flexible packages based on timing and baggage options.
To strengthen connectivity, Salam Air will operate direct
flights to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, alongside Muscat–Khasab services.
Oman Air will launch a Dubai–Salalah route from 3 July 2026,
operating three weekly flights and allocating around 18,000 seats for GCC
routes during the season.
Salalah Airport will also receive 68 international flights,
including services from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and India, further
enhancing regional access during the Khareef season.
The CAA said the integrated plan reflects improved coordination across aviation stakeholders to ensure operational efficiency and a seamless passenger experience throughout the peak tourism period. -TradeArabia News Service
