Oman SalamAir Boosts Salalah Travel With Record Passenger Growth During 2026 Khareef Season

SalamAir, Oman’s underlying carrier, logs a key increase in travel in and out of Salalah hitting 180,000 passengers for the 2026 Khareef season. An interest for the Dhofar region has seen a spike in passenger numbers and growth in travel demand for Salalah, thus, the SalamAir marked a positive performance of 20% passenger uplift from the previous year. Demand for travel and the opportunity and interest for travelers to experience Salalah’s Monsoon region have grown.

The airline expanded its operations during the peak tourism period by increasing flight frequency, adding more seat capacity and improving connectivity from Oman and regional markets. During the three-month Khareef season, SalamAir operated 1,042 flights to and from Salalah, representing a 19% increase compared with the previous year.

The growth highlights the rising importance of Salalah as one of Oman’s leading leisure destinations, particularly during the annual Khareef season when Dhofar transforms into a green landscape attracting visitors from across Oman and international markets.

SalamAir Expands Flight Capacity to Meet Rising Salalah Demand

The 2026 Khareef season saw SalamAir strengthen its operations to provide travellers with more options to reach Salalah. The airline increased available capacity across its network as visitor demand continued to rise during one of Oman’s busiest tourism periods.

By operating more flights and increasing available seats, SalamAir supported smoother travel experiences for visitors heading to Dhofar. The additional services helped improve accessibility for both domestic travellers and international visitors seeking to explore Salalah’s natural attractions, including its mountains, waterfalls, coastline and cultural experiences.

The increase in operations also reflected the growing role of aviation in supporting seasonal tourism demand. Khareef attracts thousands of visitors every year, creating a strong requirement for reliable air connectivity during the peak travel months.

SalamAir’s expanded schedule allowed more travellers to plan trips with greater flexibility while supporting tourism businesses across Dhofar, including hotels, restaurants, attractions and local experiences.

Stronger Sohar and Regional Connections Support Salalah Tourism Growth

Alongside increasing flights from its wider network, SalamAir strengthened direct connectivity between Salalah and key markets. The airline operated 96 flights between Sohar and Salalah during the 2026 Khareef season, carrying more than 14,000 passengers on the route.

The additional Sohar connection provided travellers with another convenient option to reach Dhofar while improving links between different regions of Oman. Better domestic connectivity plays an important role in encouraging more residents and visitors to explore destinations within the country.

SalamAir also expanded regional access to Salalah through direct flights from Baghdad and Dammam. The airline operated 40 direct flights from these markets, providing more than 7,000 seats during the season.

These regional connections helped strengthen Salalah’s position as an accessible destination for travellers from nearby markets looking for nature, culture and seasonal experiences in Oman.

Salalah Tourism Benefits From Growing Air Connectivity

The increase in passenger numbers and flight operations demonstrates the strong relationship between airline connectivity and tourism development. Improved air access allows destinations to attract more visitors, extend travel opportunities and support wider economic activity.

For Salalah, the Khareef season remains a key tourism period that brings increased demand for accommodation, transportation, retail and hospitality services. The growth in SalamAir’s passenger numbers contributed to this wider tourism ecosystem by enabling more visitors to experience Dhofar during its most popular season.

The airline’s expanded operations also support Oman’s broader tourism ambitions by strengthening links between destinations and creating easier travel options for domestic and international markets.

As Oman continues to invest in tourism development, reliable aviation networks remain essential for attracting visitors and supporting regional economic growth.

SalamAir Continues Long-Term Focus on Dhofar Connectivity

SalamAir’s expanded Khareef operations form part of its wider strategy to strengthen its presence in Salalah and support long-term tourism growth in Dhofar. Beyond the seasonal increase, the airline aims to continue improving connectivity and offering more travel choices for passengers.

The focus on Salalah aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives, which identify tourism as an important sector for economic diversification and sustainable growth.

By expanding routes, increasing flight capacity and improving regional connections, SalamAir is helping position Salalah as a destination that can attract visitors throughout the year rather than only during the Khareef period.

During the 2026 Khareef season, SalamAir, an Omani airline, broke multiple records after growing its passenger numbers to 180,000 when flying to and from Salalah, and expanding the flights and the region’s connecting flights as well.

Salalah’s continuously growing position as a leisure destination in Oman is apparent from the positive numbers and the increased regional flights.

The airline’s latest performance shows the growing demand for travel to Dhofar and highlights how stronger air connectivity can contribute to the development of Oman’s tourism sector. With increased passenger numbers, expanded flight operations and improved access from key markets, Salalah continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s most attractive nature and cultural destinations.