Air services ramped for Dhofar khareef rush
Salalah – The civil aviation sector has confirmed full readiness to provide safe and smooth travel to Dhofar governorate during the 2025 khareef season, as tourist numbers are expected to rise from within and outside the sultanate.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Oman Airports, Oman Air and SalamAir are coordinating efforts to increase domestic flights and strengthen the operational efficiency of Muscat and Salalah airports. 'The goal is to ensure steady air traffic and maintain high standards of safety and service,' CAA stated.
The authority said these measures reflect a unified approach to deliver a sustainable aviation system. The sector remains a key partner in supporting tourism and driving economic growth by providing modern infrastructure and reliable air services.
Ahead of the season, the authority has reviewed emergency plans, confirmed the readiness of air traffic control and weather services, and reinforced coordination with all aviation partners.
Oman Air will step up operations from early July, with up to 12 daily flights at peak times. SalamAir will increase services from late June through early September, reaching up to eight daily flights in July and August. SalamAir will also operate a new direct route between Suhar and Salalah from mid-July, with one daily flight.
To meet the rising demand, Oman Air has added more than 70,000 seats for the season, a 16% increase compared to the last year. SalamAir has boosted capacity by over 58%, offering about 176,000 seats in total.
For Omani passengers, Oman Air will maintain fixed fares between July 1 and September 15, starting at RO32 one-way and RO54 return. SalamAir fares start at RO30 one-way and RO48 return.
Oman Airports said both Muscat and Salalah airports are ready to handle the expected rush. Measures have been put in place to streamline passenger services from booking to arrival, in line with global best practices.
Salalah Airport will offer the 'Travel Easier' service from July 15 to September 15, allowing passengers to check in and drop off luggage between 12 and 6 hours before departure, daily from 8am to 8pm. For the first time, the airport will also introduce vehicle-based check-in, enabling passengers to complete check-in, receive boarding passes and drop off luggage without leaving their cars.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
2 hours ago
- Observer
OIA announces job creation, global partnerships, and strong returns in 2024
Muscat: The Oman Investment Authority (OIA) revealed a series of achievements and performance indicators from its 2024 operations during its annual media briefing held on Sunday. As part of its efforts to support national employment and economic diversification, the Authority announced the creation of 1,393 direct job opportunities for Omani nationals across its companies and affiliated institutions. During the event, OIA said it also completed six successful divestments, redirecting the proceeds towards new investment opportunities, thereby enhancing the sustainability and dynamism of its assets. The Authority expanded its global investment reach by allocating funds to 13 new international funds, while also establishing new strategic partnerships with both Turkey and Jordan, in line with its drive to enhance international cooperation. OIA further noted an increase in Omanisation rates, reaching 93% in the Authority itself and 77.7% across affiliated companies, underlining its commitment to empowering national talent in the investment sector. In support of local entrepreneurship, the Authority reported a total expenditure of RO 265.5 million on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 2024. Key financial milestones The media briefing also showcased several headline financial achievements. OIA's total assets surpassed RO 20 billion, underscoring its growing scale and investment footprint. Furthermore, profits exceeded RO 1.5 billion, reflecting strong returns on investments and prudent financial management. The Authority reaffirmed its role in contributing to the national economy, with its entities channelling RO 800 million into the state budget, helping fund development projects and essential services.
Observer
8 hours ago
- Observer
Oman brings home over 1,300 citizens and expats
Oman has evacuated over 1,188 citizens and 281 other nationals from Iran and its neighbouring countries as part of its humanitarian assistance. On Saturday, 294 Omani citizens landed at Muscat International Airport via Türkiye, along with people from other countries, during the fifth phase of evacuation. The Foreign Ministry thanked all officials, especially those from Türkiye, who contributed to the smooth transfer of people. Speaking to the Observer, Ahmed al Hooti, a journalist with Al Jazeera who was in the fourth phase of evacuation, said that there were hundreds of Omanis in Iranian cities who were tourists, students, medical patients, pilgrims and the efforts of Oman's Foreign Ministry and its embassies in safeguarding the citizens as well as other nationals were laudable. 'The Oman embassy in Iran reached out to Omanis scattered across the country and asked to share their details through social media. They were advised to be prepared to move to the northern side of Iran and everyone did the same. Some were in Mashhad and they continued to stay there only till they got the information on where to move. After 3 days, hundreds of Omanis left Tehran to other cities where the embassy officials were doing documentation and preparation to leave the country through land borders,' said Al Hooti. 'There were no flights hence some people used cars and people like me used taxis. Others used buses which were all arranged by the embassy. The embassy in Tehran did a wonderful job in moving all Omanis to safe places and later they were transferred from borders where they were able to get flights. Also the Omani embassy in Baghdad too did a great job in supporting the stranded Omanis.' Mohammed Rafiq, Mohammed Shafiq, Nourin and Sophia, from India's Kerala state, who had arrived in Iran on a tourist visa, arrived at the Muscat International Airport from Iran via Basra, Iraq on Thursday. The group returned to Oman after receiving Iraqi visas following high-level intervention from the Oman government. "We could see huge columns of smoke and fire billowing out of buildings nearby where we were staying. People were being evacuated from everywhere. When we contacted the Indian Embassy in Iran, the result was disappointing as they told us to follow online updates and to contact them after the weekend," Rafiq said. "However, the Omanis who were with us took us to the Oman Embassy in Tehran. Although they were not bound to board us, the kind-hearted officials as well as the co-passengers succeeded in accepting us as their own citizens. We were given temporary accommodation." Rafiq said that the Omani authorities provided them with temporary facilities until Friday and Saturday; and then asked to approach the Indian Embassy. "We contacted the Indian Embassy, but the response from there was not as expected. Thanks to an Omani citizen who was with us, the authorities again arranged travel facilities for us. With this, we were taken along with the Omanis to Basra in Iraq via Bandar Abbas." The expat family said that they are deeply grateful to the Omanis and the officials of Oman who intervened in their case. — ONA
Muscat Daily
12 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
Uzbekistan opens its doors to Omani travellers
In May 2025, Uzbekistan introduced 30-day visa free stay for citizens of Oman. As an ancient centre of Islamic civilisation, Uzbekistan holds a special place in the Muslim world. Cities like Bukhara and Samarkand were once home to some of the greatest Islamic scholars in history, including Imam al Bukhari and Imam al Tirmidhi. The architectural beauty of centuries-old mosques and madrasas, and the spirit of traditional hospitality make Uzbekistan a deeply spiritual and culturally enriching destination for travellers from Oman. The new visa-free regime makes it easier than ever for Omani travellers to explore Uzbekistan. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and Gulf countries and welcome more visitors from the Arab world. While countries like Turkey, the UAE and Qatar have long been top destinations for Omani travellers, Uzbekistan offers an equally unique and authentic experience. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, a peaceful escape or spiritual rejuvenation, Uzbekistan has something to offer. Uzbekistan is a muslim majority country. All foods are halal and mosques are present in every neighbourhood. Friday prayers are widely attended and the call to prayer is heard throughout the day. This atmosphere allows Omani visitors to feel spiritually at home. Uzbekistan was ranked the safest country in the world in the 2024 Safety Perceptions Index. Tourist police are present at historical sites and are trained in multiple languages to assist visitors. Families, solo travellers and elderly tourists can feel at ease during their stay. Uzbekistan is now more accessible than ever. According to the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, aviation authorities of Uzbekistan and Oman recently held negotiations to discuss the launch of direct air connections between the two countries, including planned flights by Oman Air to Uzbekistan. Furthermore, there are several connecting flights from Dubai and Doha to major cities in Uzbekistan. When it comes to tour attractions, Uzbekistan is home to seven Unesco World Heritage Sites and thousands of historical and archaeological landmarks. Tashkent, the capital city, is known for its blend of modern and Soviet-era architecture, green parks and vibrant bazaars. Samarkand, once the capital of the Timurid empire, is known for its Islamic architecture and pilgrimage sites, including the Imam al Bukhari mausoleum. Bukhara is another city famous for its Islamic architecture. For many centuries, it has been a centre for Islamic learning and culture For nature lovers, Uzbekistan offers unexpected variety. From the mountains of Zaamin to the Amirsoy Resort, travellers can enjoy hiking, skiing or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air. For those seeking more unusual adventures, there's the Aral Sea. Once the fourth-largest lake in the world, the shrinking sea lost more than 90% of its water due to mismanagement of water resources during the soviet era. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Uzbek culture. Just as the Silk Road brought travellers, traders and scholars through these lands centuries ago, today's Uzbeks continue the tradition of treating guests as family. This makes Uzbekistan a very unique travel destination. With shared religious values and cultural appreciation, Uzbekistan offers unforgettable experiences to travellers from Oman. The growth of tourism can also foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding, further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. By Adkhamjon Janobiddinov The writer is an independent researcher and journalist from Uzbekistan, focusing on its foreign affairs and economy
