Oman Air and SalamAir Expand Flights and Seats for Khareef Dhofar 2026: What This Means for Business and Tourism Growth in Oman
MUSCAT — Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced its operational readiness for the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season, which officially runs from June 21 to September 20. The authority unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing air connectivity and expanding capacity on the Muscat–Salalah route to meet the rising travel demand during this peak tourism period.
The plan was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure a smoother, more efficient travel experience during one of Oman’s busiest seasons.
According to the CAA, Oman Air’s seasonal flights will operate from early July until September 5, while SalamAir’s services will continue from early July until August 31. This coordinated approach is designed to accommodate the growing influx of visitors to the Dhofar Governorate.
Oman Air intends to offer up to 13 daily flights on the Muscat–Salalah route during peak times, an increase from 12 daily flights in the 2025 Khareef season. Additionally, the airline has already increased service levels to 14 daily flights during certain peak periods in response to strong demand.
SalamAir will also bolster capacity by operating up to 10 daily flights on the same route during peak periods. The low-cost carrier plans to operate 984 flights this season, up from 962 flights in 2025, reflecting enhanced readiness and expanded capacity.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yafaei, Director-General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Dhofar, emphasized the authority’s commitment to strengthening air transport readiness during the Khareef season by increasing operational capacity, improving passenger services, and streamlining airport procedures to ensure smooth, efficient travel throughout the season.
Al Yafaei highlighted ongoing coordination with relevant parties to enhance operational efficiency and meet the surging demand between Muscat and Salalah while upholding high service standards. He also noted that the CAA is closely monitoring operational plan implementation in partnership with national carriers and stakeholders to maintain flexibility and swiftly respond to changing demand during peak periods.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to support the Khareef season, reinforce Dhofar’s status as a premier tourism destination, and strengthen the Sultanate’s aviation sector.
Data from the CAA indicates that Oman Air’s seat capacity for the 2026 Khareef season will reach approximately 330,000 seats, compared to 313,000 seats last year. SalamAir’s expected capacity is about 190,844 seats.
Passenger forecasts show Oman Air is anticipated to carry around 298,000 travelers this season, up from 277,000 in 2025, representing an 8% increase. SalamAir is expected to transport over 166,000 passengers, slightly higher than the previous season’s 165,000.
The CAA confirmed that Oman Air will maintain the same ticket fares introduced in 2024 for Omani citizens, with return fares priced at RO54 and one-way fares at RO32.
SalamAir will continue offering three flexible fare categories—early, standard, and late booking options—with varying baggage allowances. One-way fares start at RO9.99 for early bookings, reaching up to RO56.99 for return trips with checked baggage under the late booking category.
Air connectivity in the Khareef 2026 season will be further enhanced through additional domestic and international routes. SalamAir will operate direct flights to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, alongside services connecting Muscat and Khasab.
Oman Air plans to launch a new Dubai–Salalah route on July 3, with three weekly flights. The airline has allocated approximately 18,000 seats for Salalah services to GCC destinations from July through September 2026, while also increasing capacity on peak travel days, especially Thursdays and Saturdays.
Salalah Airport will also host 68 weekly flights operated by foreign airlines, including 39 flights from the UAE via Air Arabia, flydubai, and Etihad Airways; 11 flights from Saudi Arabia operated by flynas; 14 flights from Qatar Airways; and four flights from India operated by Air India Express.
This coordinated expansion underscores Oman’s commitment to delivering a seamless travel experience during one of the country’s most vibrant tourism seasons.
تحليل خاص من عمانت | تصفح سوق عُمان
The Oman Civil Aviation Authority’s expanded air connectivity and increased flight capacity for the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season signal strong growth in tourism demand، تقديم significant opportunities for businesses in hospitality, retail, and transport sectors. The introduction of new routes and maintained competitive fares create openings for smart investors to capitalize on the seasonal travel surge while entrepreneurs should prepare to leverage enhanced passenger flow with innovative services. However, stakeholders must also manage operational risks related to capacity and service quality to sustain long-term growth and traveler satisfaction.
