Muscat: The Civil Aviation Sector has assured its full operational readiness to provide a safe, seamless, and efficient travel experience for passengers to Dhofar Governorate during the upcoming Khareef season, which traditionally draws big numbers of domestic and foreign tourists.
The comprehensive preparations include coordinated activities among the Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Airports, Oman Air, and SalamAir as part of an integrated national system designed to improve air transport operations. This involves enhancing domestic flight frequencies and improving operational efficiency at both Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport to ensure smooth air traffic flow while maintaining the highest levels of service quality and safety.
Authorities stressed that these preparations demonstrate the sector's dedication to building a comprehensive and sustainable aviation system that will benefit Oman's tourism industry. In this context, the civil aviation sector plays a strategic role by offering sophisticated infrastructure that promotes economic progress while strengthening the Sultanate of Oman's status as a popular tourist destination.
Operational readiness has been improved by reviewing emergency response plans, validating air traffic control system capabilities, providing specialized aviation weather forecasts, and continuously coordinating with all relevant organizations. These efforts collectively ensure that travelers enjoy safe and stress-free travels throughout the season.
Flight operations will experience a considerable increase during the peak season. Oman Air will operate up to 12 daily flights during the busiest periods starting July 1, while SalamAir will increase its operations to eight daily flights in July and August, including the addition of a new direct connection between Sohar and Salalah, which will begin on July 15 with one daily flight.
Capacity improvements include Oman Air adding more than 70,000 additional seats for the season, a 16% increase over last year, and SalamAir's 58% increase in capacity, which offers around 176,000 seats for 2025. These modifications are a direct response to increased passenger demand and aim to support Dhofar's tourism sector during the Khareef season.
Special fare structures continue for Omani citizens, with Oman Air maintaining set pricing starting at OMR 32 for one-way flights and OMR 54 for round trips between July 1 and September 15. Similarly, SalamAir provides tickets starting at OMR30 for one-way trips and OMR48 for return flights during the same time.
Oman Airports Company has made extensive preparations at both Muscat and Salalah airports to provide a unified travel experience. These include simplified passenger processing from initial reservation to final arrival.
Salalah Airport is introducing new services to improve passenger convenience, such as the Travel Easier program, which allows travelers to complete check-in and baggage drop processes 6 to 12 hours before departure. This service runs daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM between July 15 and September 15, 2025, and is specifically intended to decrease congestion and increase terminal accessibility.
A new drivethrough checkin service will launch this season as part of the Travel Easier programme, allowing passengers to complete all departure formalities, including boarding pass collection and luggage check-in, without leaving their cars. This innovative service marks a substantial step forward in travel convenience and customer experience at Salalah Airport.
These comprehensive measures highlight the aviation industry's dedication to supporting Oman's tourism sector while preserving operational excellence and providing world-class travel services during the Dhofar Khareef season in 2025.
