Oman Air to operate up to 13 daily flights, and SalamAirto operate up to 10 daily flights during peak periods of this year’s Khareef season.

 

Oman Air’s seat capacity expected to reach approximately 330,000 seats during the 2026 season, compared to 313,000 seats last year.

 

SalamAir’s projected seat capacity is approximately 190,844 seats, compared to 191,396 seats during Khareef of 2025

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SalamAir will introduce additional services to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, alongside its Muscat–Khasab route.

 

Oman Air will launch a new Dubai–Salalah service starting 3 July 2026, operating three flights per week, with approximately 18,000 seats allocated for flights to and from Salalah and GCC destinations between July and September 2026.

 

 

Oman Air continues to offer the fares introduced in 2024, with round-trip tickets priced at OMR 54 and one-way tickets at OMR 32 for Omani citizens.

 

SalamAir offers three flexible fare categories of early, standard, and late booking for one-way and return flights on the Muscat Salalah route, with fares varying according to baggage allowances, with prices start from OMR 9.99 and reach OMR 56.99.

 

Salalah Airport to receive 68 flights operated by foreign airlines, including:

39 flights from the UAE operated by Air Arabia (Sharjah and Abu Dhabi), flydubai, and Etihad Airways.

11 flights from Saudi Arabia operated by flynas.

14 flights from Qatar operated by Qatar Airways.

4 flights from India operated by Air India Express.

 

 

Muscat, June 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed its operational readiness for Khareef Dhofar 2026, through a comprehensive plan developed in coordination with strategic partners. 

 

The plan aims to enhance air connectivity and increase capacity on the Muscat Salalah route in response to growing passenger demand while ensuring a more efficient and seamless travel experience during the tourism season.

 

The CAA stated that Oman Air’s seasonal operations will run from 1 July to 5 September 2026, while SalamAir’soperations will continue from 1 July to 31 August 2026, as part of an integrated operational framework designed to strengthen readiness and accommodate increasing travel demand to Dhofar Governorate.

 

Increased Capacity on the Muscat Salalah Route

 

In concern to  the national carrier, the CAA  clarified that Oman Air’s operational plan includes operating up to 13 daily flights during peak periods on the Muscat–Salalah route, compared to a planned 12 daily flights for the 2025 season, which was subsequently increased to 14 daily flights during certain peak periods in response to higher demand.

 

SalamAir also plans to operate up to 10 daily flights during peak periods on the same route, further enhancing operational capacity and meeting the anticipated increase in passenger traffic throughout the Khareef season.

 

In terms of seasonal operations, SalamAir will operate 984 flights during the current season, compared to 962 flights in 2025, reflecting a higher level of operational preparedness and an increased ability to accommodate growing demand on this key route.

 

Continuous Readiness and Operational Integration:

 

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yafaei, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Dhofar Governorate, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to enhancing the readiness of the air transport system during the Khareef season.

 

He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase operational capacity on the Muscat–Salalah route, improve passenger services, and facilitate airport procedures to ensure smooth traffic flow and a high-quality travel experience.

 

Al Yafaei added that the Authority continues to strengthen coordination among relevant entities and improve operational efficiency to meet growing demand for travel between Muscat and Salalah while enhancing air traffic flow and passenger services. 

 

The Authority also maintains continuous oversight of operational plans in coordination with national carriers and relevant stakeholders to ensure flexibility and rapid response to seasonal demand fluctuations, thereby enhancing flight management efficiency and service quality.

 

These efforts considered as part of an integrated strategy to support the Khareef season and reinforce Dhofar’s position as a premier tourism destination while improving the efficiency of Oman’s air transport sector.

 

More Than Half a Million Seats Expected During Khareef Dhofar 2026:

 

According to the CAA’s data, Oman Air is expected to provide approximately 330,000 seats during the 2026 Khareef season, compared to 313,000 seats last year. SalamAir is expected to offer 190,844 seats, compared to 191,396 seats in 2025.

 

Passenger numbers are also projected to increase, with Oman Air expected to carry approximately 298,000 passengers, compared to 277,000 passengers last year, representing growth of around 8%.

 

As for SalamAir , it is expected to carry approximately 166,393 passengers, compared to 165,182 passengers in the previous season, reflecting growth of nearly 1%.

 

Diverse Fare Options for Citizens:

 

The Authority noted that Oman Air continues to apply the fares approved in 2024, offering round-trip tickets for OMR 54 and one-way tickets for OMR 32 for Omani citizens.

 

SalamAir, meanwhile, offers three flexible fare packages covering early, standard, and late bookings, with various baggage options. 

 

One-way fares start from OMR 9.99 for early bookings and can reach OMR 56.99 for return flights with checked baggage under the late-booking category.

 

Bookings have been available since 15 May 2026, subject to seat availability and the selection of Omani fare categories during the booking process.

 

Enhanced Domestic and International Connectivity:

 

This year’s Dhofar will feature expanded domestic and international air connectivity. SalamAir will operate direct flights to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, in addition to the Muscat–Khasab route.

 

Oman Air will launch the Dubai–Salalah route on 3 July 2026, operating three weekly flights and providing approximately 18,000 seats for travel between Salalah and GCC destinations from July through September 2026. Additional capacity will also be added during peak travel days, particularly on Thursdays and Saturdays.

 

68 Foreign Airline Flights to Salalah Airport: 

 

As part of efforts to strengthen international connectivity, Salalah Airport will receive 68 flights operated by foreign carriers, including 39 flights from the United Arab Emirates, 11 from Saudi Arabia, 14 from Qatar, and 4 from India.

 

Comprehensive Facilitation Measures for a Smoother Travel Experience:

 

The Authority highlighted a range of facilitation measures introduced under the National Air Transport Facilitation Program, including accelerated immigration procedures, dedicated lanes for families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, multilingual guidance and reception services, simplified arrival and departure processes, expanded digital and self-service facilities, improved baggage handling, and enhanced reception areas capable of accommodating increased passenger volumes during the season.

 

Integrated Security System in Line with International Standards:

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The Authority reaffirmed its implementation of a comprehensive security framework based on international best practices and standards. This includes the deployment of advanced security screening technologies, qualified national personnel, multiple screening lanes to reduce waiting times, female screening officers for women passengers, advanced cybersecurity systems to protect digital infrastructure, and rapid emergency response plans supported by close coordination among relevant authorities to ensure the highest levels of safety and security throughout Khareef Dhofar 2026.