JEDDAH — Oman Air is set to dramatically increase the number of flights it offers between Muscat and Salalah during southern Oman's monsoon season, known as the Khareef. The increase will mean that Oman Air operates more flights to Salalah than ever before. The Khareef, which between June and September brings cooling rains and a resulting profusion of colorful plant and animal life, is a major attraction for tourists from throughout the Middle East region. For many years, Oman Air has increased the number of services it offers to Salalah during this period.
Between June and September, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman will operate a record 284 return flights from Muscat to Salalah. This represents an 11 percent increase in flights compared with 2014, and means that as many as 352,738 passengers will have the opportunity to fly with Oman Air to Salalah.
Chief Operating Officer for Oman Air, Abdulrahman Al-Busaidy, said: “Salalah is one of the most important destinations within Oman Air's network and we are delighted to be offering more air travellers than ever before the opportunity to visit this wonderful city.”
“Throughout the Khareef visitors are drawn to Salalah and the surrounding Dhofar region to experience its cool temperatures and stunning scenery. Oman Air is proud to have supported, for many years the growing popularity of the area, by offering unrivalled access to Salalah.”
“Each year has seen us operate more flights to the city and this season, we will not only utilize regional and narrow-body aircraft on the route, but also our award-winning Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. So we will be able to bring a record number of visitors to Salalah, and to offer them the ultimate passenger experience en route.”
This year passengers can also check-in directly to Salalah irrespective of where they are starting their journey from on the Oman Air network. They no longer have to clear baggage and recheck-in at Muscat International Airport “Tickets can be booked through local travel agents, or online at www.omanair.com. You will also find a range of outstanding packages on our website, offered in partnership with some of Salalah's finest hotels.
Demand is expected to be high and we advise early booking to avoid disappointment.”
In 2014, 84 percent of the additional seats Oman Air offered during the Khareef were utilized. As a result, more than 11,000 more visitors arrived in the region than in the previous year. And many travelled not only from other areas of the Middle East, but also from as far afield as Europe and South-East Asia.
Salalah is the principal city in Oman's most southerly Governorate, Dhofar.
The city and its surrounding area are rich in history and visitors can explore iconic sites such as Job's Tomb, one of the lost palaces of the Queen of Sheba, the blow holes of Mugsail, the frankincense trail and many more. Dhofar is also the centre of the ancient frankincense trade.
Its tradition of commerce is today reflected in the growth of the Port of Salalah and the increasing importance of Salalah Airport as a hub for Oman Air's cargo operations. — SG
