Oman Aligns with Armenia, Poland and More Countries as Air Astana to Launch Direct Flights from Almaty and Astana in October 2026

Oman is strengthening its tourism and business links with Kazakhstan as Air Astana prepares direct Salalah services from Almaty and Astana this October. The new flights add Oman to a growing list of countries gaining fresh connectivity with Kazakhstan, including Armenia, Poland, China, Cyprus, Türkiye and Vietnam.

Air Astana will introduce new direct flights to Salalah, Oman, from Almaty and Astana on 23 and 24 October 2026, respectively, expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and the Middle East. The weekly services will operate with Airbus A320 aircraft, offering passengers new travel options and return fares across Economy and Business Class.

When Will Air Astana Launch Its New Flights to Salalah?

Air Astana will begin operating its new direct services to Salalah from Almaty on Friday, 23 October 2026, followed by the launch of flights from Astana on Saturday, 24 October 2026. Both routes will operate once a week, providing travellers with scheduled connections between Kazakhstan and the southern Omani city.

The introduction of these services will give passengers departing from Kazakhstan additional options for travelling to Oman without needing to connect through another airport. The routes will also expand Air Astana’s international network by establishing direct links between two major Kazakh cities and Salalah, a destination known for its coastal setting and seasonal tourism appeal.

Both services will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft. The aircraft type is widely used for short- and medium-haul routes, allowing airlines to serve international destinations with single-aisle aircraft suited to a range of passenger demand levels.

The launch dates place the new routes at the beginning of the late-October travel period. However, the precise effect on passenger demand, tourism arrivals and airline capacity will depend on booking performance, seasonal travel patterns and the frequency of the services.

“Direct Salalah flights from Almaty and Astana create a timely bridge between Kazakhstan and Oman. They give travellers easier access to a distinctive Gulf destination while helping tourism businesses, investors and communities build stronger links. This is a positive step for regional connectivity and year-round travel choice.” — Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

How Will the Almaty–Salalah Flight Schedule Operate?

The new Almaty–Salalah service will operate on Fridays, with the initial schedule providing a direct connection between Kazakhstan’s largest city and Oman’s southern coastal region.

Flights will depart Almaty at 10:05 and arrive in Salalah at 15:15. The return service will leave Salalah at 16:25 and arrive in Almaty at 22:55. All times are local.

From 30 October 2026, Air Astana will introduce a revised schedule for the Almaty route. Departures from Almaty will move to 07:30, with arrival in Salalah scheduled for 12:40. The return flight will depart Salalah at 13:50 and arrive in Almaty at 20:20.

The revised timetable will bring forward the departure from Almaty by two hours and 35 minutes. Passengers travelling on or after 30 October should therefore check their confirmed booking details carefully, as the departure and arrival times will differ from those used during the first week of operations.

The schedule provides a direct option for travellers planning holidays, visiting friends and relatives, or arranging business trips between the two cities. The weekly frequency also means passengers will need to consider the operating day when planning their itineraries, particularly if they intend to combine Salalah with other destinations in Oman.

What Is the Flight Schedule from Astana to Salalah?

Air Astana’s second new service will connect Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, with Salalah from Saturday, 24 October 2026. The route will also operate weekly using an Airbus A320 aircraft.

Flights will depart Astana at 08:35 and arrive in Salalah at 14:40. The return service will leave Salalah at 16:00 and reach Astana at 23:25. All times are local.

The Astana route will provide passengers in northern Kazakhstan with a direct alternative to travelling through Almaty or other international hubs. This could be particularly relevant for travellers who prefer to begin their journeys in the capital rather than arrange a separate domestic connection before flying abroad.

For leisure travellers, the new service offers another way to reach Salalah for a holiday in Oman. Business travellers may also benefit from the direct connection, although the weekly operating pattern will require careful planning around meeting dates and return travel.

The timetable also gives passengers a scheduled return option on the same route. As with the Almaty service, travellers should confirm the operating date, availability and applicable conditions with Air Astana before finalising their plans.

How Much Will Air Astana Tickets to Salalah Cost?

Air Astana’s announced starting return fares differ according to the departure city and cabin class. The published prices provide an initial indication of the cost of travelling between Kazakhstan and Salalah.

Return fares from Almaty start at US$536 in Economy Class and US$1,391 in Business Class. Passengers departing from Astana will find Economy Class return fares starting at US$596, while Business Class return fares begin at US$1,371.

The lowest advertised Economy Class fare from Almaty is US$60 less than the starting fare from Astana. In Business Class, the Astana starting fare is US$20 lower than the corresponding price from Almaty.

These comparisons relate only to the stated starting fares and do not establish which route will be cheaper for every traveller. Actual prices may vary according to travel dates, seat availability, booking conditions and fare rules.

Passengers should also check what is included in their selected ticket, including baggage allowances, change conditions and any additional charges. The advertised starting price may not be available for every departure or booking date.

Travellers considering Business Class should compare the fare difference against the benefits included in the specific ticket. The most suitable option will depend on individual requirements, the length of the journey and the overall travel budget.

Why Is the Salalah Route Relevant to Oman’s Tourism Market?

Salalah is located in the Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman and is known for its beaches, landscapes, cultural attractions and seasonal greenery associated with the khareef monsoon period. Its tourism appeal differs from that of Muscat, Oman’s capital, giving visitors another option when choosing a destination in the country.

The new flights from Almaty and Astana will create direct air links to this southern region from two important cities in Kazakhstan. For travellers, direct services can simplify journey planning by removing the need for a connecting flight, subject to the availability and suitability of the scheduled service.

The routes could also create additional opportunities for tourism businesses in Salalah, including hotels, tour operators, transport providers and visitor attractions. However, the scale of any increase in tourism will depend on passenger demand, marketing, pricing and the ability of local businesses to meet visitors’ expectations.

For Oman, improved connectivity from international source markets can support efforts to diversify visitor arrivals and make destinations beyond Muscat more accessible. The addition of direct services does not, by itself, establish the level of future demand, but it creates another scheduled option for reaching the country.

Travellers from Kazakhstan will be able to consider Salalah for beach holidays, cultural visits and nature-focused itineraries. Those planning longer trips may also explore other Omani destinations, although onward travel arrangements will need to be organised separately where they are not included in the airline booking.

What Do the New Routes Mean for Air Astana’s Network?

The introduction of the Almaty and Astana services represents an expansion of Air Astana’s direct international connectivity. Rather than relying exclusively on established routes to major regional gateways, the airline will offer passengers direct access to Salalah through two departure cities in Kazakhstan.

Operating both routes weekly provides a defined schedule for travellers while allowing the airline to assess demand for the new destinations. Passenger uptake, booking trends and seasonal travel patterns will be important factors in determining the commercial performance of the services.

The Airbus A320 will operate on both routes, providing a consistent aircraft type across the new services. The use of a single aircraft family can support operational consistency, although details of seating capacity, onboard configuration and the number of seats available for sale have not been specified in the announced schedule.

The new flights may appeal to different passenger groups, including holidaymakers, people visiting friends and relatives, and travellers with business interests in Oman. Their relative importance will become clearer as the services begin operating and passenger demand develops.

For passengers, the key consideration will be whether the weekly schedules align with their travel requirements. Travellers should compare the direct flights with alternative itineraries, taking account of total journey time, ticket prices, connections and the flexibility required for their stay.

What Should Travellers Know Before Booking?

Passengers planning to use the new services should verify the latest schedule and fare conditions through Air Astana’s official booking channels before purchasing tickets. The Almaty timetable changes from 30 October 2026, making the travel date particularly important when checking departure times.

Travellers should also confirm visa and entry requirements for Oman based on their nationality, passport type, purpose of travel and length of stay. Entry rules can vary, and passengers should consult the relevant official Omani authorities before departure.

Additional planning should cover accommodation, airport transfers and onward transport within Oman. Visitors heading to Salalah should consider how their arrival time aligns with hotel check-in arrangements and any pre-booked excursions.

As both routes operate weekly, passengers should pay particular attention to the return date and the consequences of missing a scheduled departure. Checking ticket change and cancellation conditions before booking can help travellers make an informed decision.

The new services offer a direct travel option, but the most suitable itinerary will depend on the traveller’s dates, budget and intended activities. Confirming the details in advance will help passengers plan their journey with greater certainty.

“Air Astana’s decision to introduce direct flights to Salalah is a positive development for regional connectivity and international tourism. These services can make travel between Kazakhstan and southern Oman more convenient, while creating new opportunities for tourism businesses, hospitality providers and local communities. Improved air access can help destinations reach new audiences and strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive global travel market.”- Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World

The Salalah launch gives travellers a direct route to Oman’s southern coast while supporting wider tourism, trade and investment ties. Alongside Almaty’s expanding links with Europe, Asia and Central Asia, the services underline Kazakhstan’s ambition to build stronger international access and position its cities as increasingly important regional aviation hubs.