Oman Air has concluded its 2026 Khareef season with a 16% increase in capacity to Salalah compared with 2025, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting rising tourism demand.

Between mid-June and mid-September, the airline carried 270,000 passengers to Salalah, up 9% year-on-year and the highest volume recorded in recent years. Passenger numbers rose 24% in June alone.

During peak demand in August, Oman Air operated up to 15 daily flights to Salalah, including services using Boeing 787-9 aircraft to boost seat capacity.

The airline also expanded international connectivity by launching three weekly Dubai-Salalah services in July, adding more than 4,900 seats monthly.

In addition, scheduled charter flights between Bahrain and Salalah operated in July and August, supporting inbound tourism and highlighting potential for future regional services.

“As a key partner in Oman’s tourism ecosystem, Oman Air is committed to stimulating visitor demand, strengthening connectivity and supporting local economic growth. During this year’s Khareef season, we expanded capacity and introduced additional services to provide travellers with more opportunities to visit Salalah,” said Nasser Al Sharji, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “We would like to thank our guests for choosing Oman Air this Khareef season and for helping make it another successful year for tourism in Dhofar. Supporting domestic tourism remains a key priority, and we are proud to play our part in connecting more people with the destinations, experiences and communities that make Oman unique.”-TradeArabia News Service