National carrier Oman Air has announced plans to launch a new service between Muscat and the Iranian city of Mashhad from June 1.

This is Oman Air’s second destination in Iran, following the launch of flights to Tehran in 2012. The carrier will operate daily flights aboard Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Flights will depart Muscat International Airport at 14.00hrs and arrive at Mashhad International Airport (also known as Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport) at 17.15hrs. Return flights will depart Mashhad International Airport at 21.45hrs and arrive in Muscat at 23.50hrs.

Announcing the launch of the new service, Oman Air’s chief executive officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said: “Oman Air is delighted to be launching a new service between Muscat and Mashhad from June 1. The launch is in response to significant customer demand and we anticipate a high level of early bookings. The service will strengthen the well-established bilateral trade links between Oman and Iran and deliver further opportunities for the two nations.”

Commenting on the new service, Oman Air’s deputy CEO and executive vice president commercial Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said: “Oman Air’s new service to Mashhad will offer travelers from throughout our international network the opportunity to discover an exciting and vibrant new destination. Furthermore, our guests from Iran to Muscat and onward destinations will now have even greater choice and convenience, whilst enjoying Oman Air’s unique hospitality and award-winning inflight services. The new service is sure to prove an overwhelming success.

Return Economy Class seats from Muscat to Mashhad are currently available at a promotional rate of OMR110 ($284.7) per person, and return Business Class seats are available from OMR300 ($776.6) per person. Return flights from Mashhad to Muscat cost from $409 in Economy Class or $872 in Business Class.

Mashhad is Iran’s second most populous city, with around 2.8 million inhabitants. It is also a major centre for cultural, religious and business affairs. Located in the north East of Iran, Mashhad’s economy is based on trade in fruit, nuts and spices, gems and jewelry, perfume and textiles. It is also Iran’s second largest manufacturing center for the automobile industry. - TradeArabia News Service