Oman Air and Fun & Sun Partnership: What Moscow-Salalah Connectivity Means for Business and Tourism Growth in Oman
Oman Air has officially signed a strategic partnership agreement with Fun & Sun, a prominent tour operator, to enhance direct air connectivity between Moscow and Salalah. The signing ceremony featured senior executives from both entities, including Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, and Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director of Fun & Sun. Representatives from Russian and Omani media were also present.
This partnership is a key element of Oman Air’s broader strategy to improve direct point-to-point connections and bolster Oman’s expanding tourism industry. The new route is anticipated to attract thousands of visitors in its inaugural season, thereby supporting Oman’s national tourism goals and advancing the development of Dhofar as an all-year-round destination.
Mike Rutter highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating that expanding direct routes to promising markets such as Russia aligns with the airline’s long-term commercial strategy and transformation plans.
Yaroslav Stepanyuk emphasized that Salalah is becoming an increasingly popular winter-sun destination for Russian tourists. He described the partnership as a pivotal step to foster growth and deepen ties between the two markets.
Since the launch of Oman Air’s transformation efforts, point-to-point travel has surged by over 50%, significantly boosting the number of visitors to Oman. This growth is expected to generate up to RO 90 million in additional economic activity within the country annually over the next five years.
The introduction of seasonal charter flights connecting Moscow and Salalah, operating from December 26, 2025, through May 9, 2026, aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 tourism objectives and enhances the aviation sector’s contribution to the national GDP.
Oman Air recently transported over 200,000 passengers to Salalah during the peak Khareef season—a 15% increase compared to 2024—and continues to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality to promote sustainable tourism growth domestically and internationally.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The new direct flight partnership between Oman Air and Fun & Sun to connect Moscow and Salalah presents a strategic opportunity for Oman’s tourism sector to tap into the growing Russian travel market, especially as Salalah gains traction as a winter-sun destination. Businesses in hospitality, retail, and services around Dhofar should prepare to capitalize on increased visitor inflows, projected to boost economic activity by RO90 million annually. Smart investors and entrepreneurs ought to consider ventures that support sustainable tourism growth aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040, leveraging this enhanced connectivity to differentiate and scale their offerings.
