Muscat: Salalah Airport in Dhofar Governorate welcomed the first Saudi Airlines flight from Jeddah today, marking the start of three weekly flights between Salalah and Jeddah during the 2025 Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) season.
Eng. Zakariya bin Yaqub AlHarasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport, confirmed the airport's full preparedness to welcome travelers during the busy Khareef season. He emphasized the involvement of 12 local and foreign carriers and anticipated a considerable increase in passenger traffic and flight frequencies over last year. This rise is due to ongoing attempts to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and travel processes.
Passenger numbers are projected to top 900,000 this season, a significant increase over last year's total of 692,626, representing an increase of almost 37%. This growth highlights the rising attractiveness of Dhofar's tourism season and the enhancement of air link.
AlHarasi further elucidated the incoming visitors' diverse origins, stating that the bulk (62. 5%) would come from within Oman, followed by 35. 7% from GCC nations and 1. 8% from India.
Air traffic at Salalah Airport is also projected to climb significantly, by 36%, with more than 5,000 incoming and departing flights, up from 3,869 in 2024.
A major highlight this season is the inclusion of Saudi Airlines to the list of airlines providing direct flights to Salalah. This step greatly improves connectivity and tourist ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, giving travellers more alternatives.
AlHarasi also emphasized Oman Airports' ongoing investment in digital services to enhance the travel experience, including the Safar As'hal ("Travel Made Easier") initiative, which is now in its second year. This initiative includes self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services, and information centers, all designed to reduce wait times and streamline procedures.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic ambassador to Oman, described the event as a reflection of the wise leadership in both countries and their mutual dedication to improving bilateral ties. He highlighted the economic, tourism, and cultural advantages of these air connections in promoting the shared interests of the two nations.
He emphasized that the first Saudi flight to Salalah transported not just Saudi and Omani passengers, but also travellers from other countries, highlighting the international element of this direct air connection.
