National airline Oman Air plans to operate a record 284 return flights between Muscat and Salalah during the region’s monsoon season, known as the Khareef.

The Khareef, which between June and September brings cooling rains and a resulting profusion of colourful plant and animal life, is a major attraction for tourists from Middle East region. For many years, Oman Air has increased the number of services it offers to Salalah during this period.

The dramatic boost represents an 11 per cent increase in flights compared with 2014, and means that as many as 352,738 passengers will have the opportunity to fly with Oman Air to Salalah.

Chief operating officer for Oman Air, Abdulrahman Al-Busaidy, said: “Salalah is one of the most important destinations within Oman Air’s network and we are delighted to be offering more air travellers than ever before the opportunity to visit this wonderful city.”

“Throughout the Khareef visitors are drawn to Salalah and the surrounding Dhofar region to experience its cool temperatures and stunning scenery. Oman Air is proud to have supported, for many years the growing popularity of the area, by offering unrivalled access to Salalah,” he said.

Salalah is the principal city in Oman’s most southerly Governorate, Dhofar. The city and its surrounding area are rich in history and visitors can explore iconic sites such as Job’s Tomb, one of the lost palaces of the Queen of Sheba, the blow holes of Mugsail, the frankincense trail and many more. Dhofar is also the centre of the ancient frankincense trade. Its tradition of commerce is today reflected in the growth of the Port of Salalah and the increasing importance of Salalah Airport as a hub for Oman Air’s cargo operations. – TradeArabia News Service