Oman Air Launches Direct Taif Flight: Implications for Business Travel and Trade Expansion in Saudi Arabia
MUSCAT: Oman Air launched its first direct flight to Taif on Saturday, establishing a new route that will operate three times a week. This initiative aims to enhance travel connections between Oman and Saudi Arabia while fostering two-way tourism.
The new route provides Omani travelers with direct access to Taif, a city celebrated for its temperate climate and proximity to Mecca, and seeks to draw Saudi visitors to Oman, facilitating connections via Muscat International Airport.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, emphasized that this launch reflects the airline’s dedication to expanding its network to meet market demand and regional travel needs, supporting not only business travel but also religious and leisure tourism.
Taif marks Oman Air’s fifth destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah. The flights are serviced by Boeing 737 aircraft.
In a discussion with the Oman Observer during the launch event, Rutter highlighted that the airline’s recent route and capacity investments have contributed nearly RO 800 million to Oman’s economy over the past year. He mentioned that upcoming services to Salalah, including the Moscow-Salalah route, could potentially add over RO 320 million to the Dhofar economy through tourism and related activities, aligning with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Rutter noted that the addition of Taif enhances travel flexibility, allowing passengers to enter through one city and exit from another, which is likely to benefit both business travelers and the growing demand for religious travel during peak seasons.
He also announced that Oman Air has increased capacity to Salalah by 19% in 2025, with a further 20% increase expected in the first quarter of 2026. For the entire year, the airline anticipates a 30% rise in domestic capacity and a remarkable 425% increase in international capacity, with more network expansions anticipated in mid-year announcements for deployment in the October-November timeframe, including destinations in the Far East.
Additionally, Rutter confirmed that Oman Air is incorporating a Boeing 737-8 (MAX) into its fleet as part of its expansion strategy, describing the airline as transformed and experiencing positive growth.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The launch of Oman Air’s direct flights to Taif represents a strategic opportunity for businesses in Oman to tap into increased tourism and trade flows between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Smart investors should consider expanding hospitality and tourism services in both countries to capitalize on the expected rise in travel demand, particularly for religious and leisure purposes. However, they must also remain vigilant to competition and changing market dynamics as the airline strengthens its regional network.
