SalamAir recorded strong growth during Oman’s 2026 Khareef season, carrying more than 180,000 passengers to and from Salalah between June and August, a 20% increase compared with the same period last year.
The Oman-based low-cost carrier increased both
flight frequencies and seat capacity to meet rising demand
for travel to Dhofar during the seasonal tourism period.
SalamAir operated 1,042 flights during the three-month period,
up 19% year on year, while seat capacity increased 10% to
more than 189,000 seats.
During the peak months of July and August,
the airline added 84 additional flights, giving
travellers greater flexibility and supporting increased
access to Salalah.
Omani passengers accounted for 80% of SalamAir’s
total passengers during the season, reflecting strong domestic
demand. The airline supported this demand through
initiatives including a OMR 9.99 fare for Omanis,
increased frequencies of up to 15 daily flights between
Muscat and Salalah during peak periods, special baggage offers
and direct services from Sohar.
Connectivity from other markets also strengthened.
SalamAir operated 96 flights between Sohar and Salalah, carrying
more than 14,000 passengers. The airline also operated 40
direct flights from Baghdad and Dammam, offering more than 7,000
seats.
The Baghdad-Salalah route recorded
particularly strong growth, carrying more than 2,000 passengers,
an increase of 197% compared with 2025. Meanwhile, the
newly launched Dammam-Salalah service carried more than 4,000
passengers across 26 flights.
SalamAir is now building on the Khareef momentum
with plans to establish its first aircraft base in Salalah. From
the end of October 2026, the airline will launch direct
services from Salalah to Jeddah, Chattogram and Calicut.
The expansion is expected to strengthen year-round international connectivity from Dhofar while providing new travel options for residents and visitors and supporting tourism and economic activity in the governorate.
Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir,
said: “At SalamAir, we listened closely to what our customers and the people of
Oman wanted during the Khareef season: more choice, greater accessibility and
affordable ways to travel to Salalah. We responded by providing our
highest-ever capacity to Dhofar during the season, increasing frequencies and
strengthening connectivity from Muscat, Sohar and key regional markets. The
strong results we have seen demonstrate the importance of responding to that
demand and making it easier for more people to experience Khareef.”
“Our commitment to Salalah goes beyond the season. We are
continuing to strengthen our presence in Dhofar and build on this momentum with
greater connectivity and more travel choices, supporting the growth of tourism
and the local economy while contributing to the wider objectives of Oman Vision
2040.” -TradeArabia News Service