Monday 15 / June / 2026
Muscat : The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed its operational readiness for the Khareef Dhofar Season 2026, which astronomically begins on June 21 and continues until September 20.
This readiness is demonstrated through a comprehensive plan, developed in partnership with strategic partners, aimed at enhancing air connectivity and increasing capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route. This plan is designed to accommodate the growing number of passengers and ensure a more efficient and seamless travel experience during this tourist season.
The CAA clarified that Oman Air's operational period extends from the beginning of July until September 5, 2026, while SalamAir's operating period extends from the beginning of July until August 31, 2026. This integrated operational framework aims to enhance operational readiness and meet the increasing demand for travel to Dhofar Governorate.
Regarding the national carrier, the authority clarified that Oman Air's operational plan includes operating up to 13 daily flights during peak periods on the Muscat-Salalah route, compared to 12 daily flights in the 2025 operational plan. This number has already been increased to 14 flights during some peak periods in response to increased demand.
SalamAir also intends to operate up to 10 daily flights during peak periods on the same route, enhancing operational capacity and increasing passenger volume to meet the growing demand during the Khareef season.
SalamAir will operate 984 flights during the current season, compared to 962 flights in the 2025 season, reflecting a higher level of operational readiness and greater capacity to accommodate the increasing demand on this vital route.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yafei, Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Dhofar Governorate, affirmed the Authority's commitment to enhancing the readiness of the air transport system during the Khareef season and boosting operational capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route to meet increasing demand.
He also highlighted the Authority's efforts to improve passenger services and streamline airport procedures, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality travel experience throughout the season.
Al Yafei noted that the Authority is working to strengthen collaboration among relevant entities and enhance operational efficiency during the Khareef season. This collaboration aims to meet the growing demand for travel between Muscat and Salalah and improve passenger services.
He explained that the Authority continuously monitors the implementation of operational plans in coordination with national carriers and relevant authorities to ensure operational flexibility and a rapid response to increased demand during peak season. This enhances flight management efficiency and elevates the quality of services provided to passengers.
Al Yafei added that these efforts are part of a comprehensive system designed to support the Khareef season and strengthen Dhofar Governorate's position as a leading tourist destination, meeting the aspirations of travelers and supporting the efficiency of the air transport sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
The data showed that Oman Air's expected seat capacity during the autumn 2026 season is approximately 330,000 seats, compared to 313,000 seats last year, while SalamAir's expected seat capacity is approximately 190,844 seats.
The authority expects Oman Air to transport approximately 298,000 passengers during this tourist season, compared to 277,000 passengers last year, representing a growth rate of approximately 8 percent. SalamAir is expected to transport more than 166,000 passengers, compared to more than 165,000 passengers last season, representing a growth rate of approximately 1 percent.
Regarding ticket prices for citizens, the authority clarified that Oman Air continues to apply the prices adopted since 2024, at OMR 54 for a round trip and OMR 32 for a one-way trip.
For its part, SalamAir offers three flexible fare packages, including early, mid-season, and late booking options, with various baggage allowances. One-way fares start from OMR 9.99 for early bookings and reach OMR 56.99 for round-trip flights with checked baggage under the late booking category.
This year’s Dhofar Khareef season sees an enhancement to the domestic and international air connectivity network, with SalamAir operating direct flights to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, in addition to the Muscat-Khasab route.
Oman Air will also launch its Dubai-Salalah route starting July 3rd, with three weekly flights. Approximately 18,000 seats will be allocated for flights between Salalah and destinations in the GCC countries during the period from July to September 2026. Seating capacity will also be increased during peak days, particularly Thursdays and Saturdays, to align with seasonal demand patterns.
Salalah Airport will see the operation of 68 flights by foreign airlines, including 39 flights from the United Arab Emirates via Air Arabia from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, Flydubai and Etihad Airways, 11 flights from Saudi Arabia via Flynas, 14 flights from Qatar via Qatar Airways, in addition to 4 flights from India via Air India Express.
