Oman Air is expanding its international network with the launch of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent, commencing 1 June 2026. The new service will operate twice weekly, offering guests convenient access between the two capitals and strengthening connectivity between Oman and Central Asia. It’s the eighth new route the airline has announced since December. As Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city, Tashkent is an increasingly popular tourist destination, renowned for its unique culture, historic sites and monuments, and recreational parks. The new route is also expected to support inbound tourism to Oman while strengthening bilateral business and cultural ties between the two countries. Positioned along the historic Silk Road, Oman and Uzbekistan share rich heritage and cultural depth, offering travellers the opportunity to explore two culturally distinctive yet historically connected destinations. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “The launch of Tashkent reflects Oman Air’s continued focus on building a commercially sustainable network that balances point-to-point demand with strategic growth markets. Central Asia represents a region of increasing relevance for both inbound and outbound travel, and the new service is designed to support Oman’s broader tourism ambitions by attracting visitors from Uzbekistan and the wider region. We look forward to welcoming guests from Uzbekistan to experience Oman’s renowned hospitality, and to offering our guests seamless access to one of Central Asia’s most compelling destinations” Operating twice weekly, the 4-hour flight will provide a convenient option for both leisure and business travellers. Guests will experience Oman Air’s premium onboard service, modern fleet and signature Omani hospitality throughout their journey.
Read More »Oman Air expands Russia connectivity with launch of new Sochi service
Oman Air is expanding its network with the launch of a new direct service to Sochi, further strengthening connectivity between Oman and Russia. Starting 2 July 2026, the airline will operate weekly year-round flights to the popular Black Sea resort city, offering travellers seamless access to one of Russia’s leading leisure hubs. Known as the ‘Russian Riviera’, Sochi is celebrated for its distinctive blend of seaside resorts, mountain scenery and mild climate, making it an attractive destination across seasons. The new service complements Oman Air’s expanding Russia network and responds to growing demand from Russian travellers choosing to visit Oman. The airline operates scheduled services between Moscow and Muscat with up to 11 flights per week, in addition to charter flights between Moscow and Salalah, which were launched in December 2025. Together with an expanding network – which has seen the launch of multiple new routes in recent months – and the airline’s success in growing point-to-point traffic, Oman Air is further positioning Oman as a primary destination, playing a pivotal role in stimulating tourism revenue and supporting adjacent sectors. “Our network continues to evolve as we identify opportunities to connect Oman with high-potential markets,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “The launch of Sochi builds on the strong performance of our Moscow services and reflects growing point-to-point demand between Russia and Oman. By expanding access to Oman through strategically added destinations, we are actively supporting tourism growth and contributing to Oman’s broader economic diversification goals.” With flights operating weekly throughout the year, the Muscat-Sochi service enhances bilateral connectivity and reinforces Oman’s position as an attractive, accessible destination in the region. The route will be operated by …
Read More »Oman Air announces three-weekly direct Dubai–Salalah service
Oman Air announced the launch of a new direct service between Dubai and Salalah, commencing 3 July 2026. Operating three times per week year-round, the route will further strengthen connectivity to the Dhofar Governorate while expanding travel options for both residents and international visitors in time for khareef season. The introduction of the service reflects growing demand between Salalah and Dubai and underscores Oman Air’s continued commitment to enhancing domestic connectivity and strengthening regional corridors across the GCC. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “The launch of our Dubai-Salalah service highlights our strategic commitment to strengthening regional connectivity in line with Oman’s national priorities. Demand for access to and from Salalah continues to grow and we are adding capacity where we’re able to, providing more choices for travel while actively supporting tourism growth and economic activity in the Governorate. Oman Air remains a key enabler of connectivity and economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040.” Continuing to serve Oman’s most popular destinations with a focus on frequency and reliability, Oman Air has consistently increased capacity in response to rising demand. In January 2026, available seats to Salalah increased by 20% compared to the previous year. During the 2025 khareef season, capacity was increased by 15%, enabling greater access for visitors during the peak tourism period. The airline also recently launched its first direct Moscow–Salalah charter service, targeting the growing Russian leisure market and expected to bring more than 7,000 visitors to the Governorate, providing a meaningful boost to tour operators and local businesses. Further schedule enhancements, including expanded services during Ramadan, will continue to provide guests with increased flexibility and travel options throughout the year.
Read More »Oman Air celebrates inaugural flight to Taif, Saudi’s ‘City of Roses’
Oman Air started its inaugural service to Taif, marking the launch of a new direct service between Muscat and Saudi Arabia’s ‘City of Roses’. Operating three times weekly with a flight time of approximately three hours and 20 minutes, the new service supports two-way tourism and travel between Oman and western Saudi Arabia. With fares starting from just OMR 38.1 one-way, the route offers travellers from Oman convenient access to Taif, which is renowned for its temperate climate, cultural heritage and proximity to Mecca, while also encouraging visitors from Saudi to explore Oman and connect onward through Muscat. The launch was marked by an inauguration ceremony held at Muscat International Airport. Commenting on the new service, Mike Rutter, Oman Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “The launch of our Taif service reflects our commitment to expanding our network in line with market demand and regional travel needs. As part of our broader regional growth strategy, this route enhances direct connectivity between Oman and western Saudi Arabia, supporting religious and leisure travel while encouraging tourism flows in both directions. We thank our partners for their support in making this launch possible and we remain focused on strengthening our relationship with Saudi Arabia through continued network growth.” The arrival of the inaugural flight in Taif was also marked by a ceremony hosted by Second Airports Cluster, the operator of Taif International Airport, and attended by His Excellency the Consul General of the Sultanate of Oman in Jeddah, along with other official delegates. Taif marks Oman Air’s fifth Saudi destination, joining Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah, as the airline continues to strengthen regional connectivity across the Gulf and the wider Middle East. The route …
Read More »Spafax renews inflight entertainment partnership with Oman Air in four-year agreement
Spafax has renewed its inflight entertainment (IFE) partnership with Oman Air for an additional four years, extending a relationship that began in 2020. Under the renewed agreement, Spafax will continue to deliver a comprehensive scope of services designed to engage and delight guests, while expanding its use of data, insight, and strategic tools to further elevate the ARIA experience, Oman Air’s inflight entertainment platform. The first content cycle under the renewed term is planned for February 2026, marking the next chapter of a long-standing collaboration focused on a premium guest experience. For guests, the renewed partnership means an even more intuitive, curated, and enjoyable inflight entertainment experience. ARIA will continue to evolve with more relevant content across films, series, music, and regional programming, supported by smarter content placement that makes discovery easier and more seamless. By better understanding how guests engage with entertainment across routes, cabins, and languages, Oman Air aims to deliver a more personalized and thoughtfully designed onboard experience. While the core service offering remains familiar to guests, the renewed partnership places greater emphasis on performance-led programming, data-driven decision-making, and brand development. Spafax will expand its use of Spafax IQ, its IFEC data analytics platform, to support ARIA’s evolution. “Spafax has been a trusted partner in supporting ARIA since its launch,” said Renata Rached, Vice President – Guest Experience, Loyalty and Brand at Oman Air. “This renewed agreement enables us to continue enhancing our onboard entertainment in a way that reflects Oman Air’s premium positioning and commitment to delivering a high-quality guest experience.” Spafax IQ provides detailed insight into guest engagement across routes, cabins, languages, navigation paths, and content categories, informing programming strategy, optimizing onboard promotion, and aligning content …
Read More »Oman Air announces new direct flights to Rwanda, strengthening connectivity between Oman and Africa
Oman Air announced the launch of direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda, marking a significant step in strengthening air connectivity between Oman and the African continent. The new route was announced during a formal signing ceremony hosted by His Excellency Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology in Muscat, during the official visit of Hon. Amb. Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, Rwanda Minister of State for Infrastructure; Hon. Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda and Yusuf Murangwa, Minister of Finance & Economic Planning. The Muscat-Kigali service will act as an important facilitator of the growing relationship between Oman and Rwanda, one of East Africa’s leading emerging destinations for both tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). It will also provide travellers with greater choice and connectivity between the Middle East and Africa, and onwards across Oman Air’s vast network throughout India, Asia Pacific, and Europe. His Excellency Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of the Sultanate of Oman, said, “The launch of direct flights between Muscat and Kigali reflects Oman’s commitment to strengthening international connectivity in support of trade, investment and economic cooperation. Air transport plays a vital role in enabling closer ties between nations, and this new route will support the continued development of relations between Oman and Rwanda, while enhancing Oman’s position as a key regional aviation hub.” Hon. Amb. Uwihanganye Jean de Dieu, Rwanda Minister of State for Infrastructure, added, “Rwanda’s vision is to foster direct connectivity to enable growing cooperation between States which is the objective for establishing Kigali as an international hub for aviation, economic and social activities. The Government of …
Read More »Oman Air marks inaugural Moscow-Salalah flight with official ceremony at Salalah Airport
Oman Air has celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight from Moscow to Salalah, marking the official launch of direct seasonal air services connecting the Russian capital with Dhofar. The milestone was commemorated with a welcome ceremony at Salalah Airport, presided over by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassan, Charmain of Dhofar Municipality and attended by senior officials and representatives from Oman’s aviation and tourism sectors. The inaugural flight signals a significant step in Oman Air’s efforts to strengthen year-round tourism to Dhofar and expand international connectivity. Commenting on the launch, Ahmed Al Mahrouqi, Vice President of Global Sales at Oman Air, said, “The launch of direct charter services between Moscow and Salalah reflects our focus on developing high-potential source markets and delivering targeted connectivity. Russia is an important market for Oman Air, and this service makes it easier for travellers to access Dhofar while supporting tourism demand and local business across the season. We look forward to further expanding capacity and connectivity as the market develops.” The seasonal charter operation is expected to bring at least 7,000 visitors to Salalah during its first season, supporting hotels, tour operators and businesses across Dhofar. The service complements Oman Air’s broader network strategy and reinforces Salalah’s growing profile as a distinctive leisure destination for international travellers. The new route also aligns with national efforts to promote tourism development in southern Oman, highlighting Dhofar’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage and mild climate as key attractions for visitors from Europe and beyond.
Read More »Oman Air launches direct flights between Muscat and Singapore starting July 2026
Oman Air has announced the launch of direct flights between Muscat and Singapore, commencing 2 July 2026. The new service marks the airline’s latest link to Southeast Asia, increasing accessibility between the two regions. Guests will now be able to fly direct from Muscat to Singapore four days a week – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – and experience the vibrant multicultural heritage, award-winning food scene and innovative attractions that the city-state is known for. With Oman Air recently joining the oneworld alliance, the new route also taps into key traffic flows via member airlines including Australia, Japan and Hong Kong, offering guests smooth connections and seamless frequent flyer benefits such as lounge access, mileage accrual and redemption, and more. “We’re excited to launch this new route, which enhances our growing network and strengthens the connection between Oman and Singapore,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “With demand growing for distinctive destinations and high-quality travel experiences, this service expands choice for both leisure and business travellers. It also reinforces Muscat’s role as an important hub between East and West, enabling efficient connectivity between Asia-Pacific markets and Europe complemented by our oneworld partners.” Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President, Air Hub & Cargo Development of Changi Airport Group added, “Oman Air’s new direct service to Muscat will introduce an exciting city link to Changi Airport’s wide connectivity network. As a leading global hub, Changi Airport offers travellers access to a wide range of destinations across Asia-Pacific and beyond, while creating new travel opportunities between the two markets.” The new service provides travellers from Oman with direct access to Singapore’s diverse visitor offering, from iconic landmarks such as Gardens …
Read More »Oman Air launches its fifth destination in Saudi Arabia, Taif
Oman Air has announced the launch of its first new route for 2026: Taif. Starting 31 January 2026, the service marks the airline’s fifth destination in Saudi and another milestone in the expansion of its regional network. The new flight will operate three days a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using the Boeing 737, offering guests convenient flight timings alongside Oman Air’s signature service and hospitality. Commenting on the launch, Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “Expanding into Taif represents a strategic step in our regional network growth and reinforces the strong economic and cultural ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia. It likewise enables us to better serve our guests by providing them with more choice and convenience.” Abdulkarim Al-Darwish, President of Middle East and Africa Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, also stated, “We welcome Oman Air’s new service to Taif, which marks a key step that enhances connectivity between our two countries and provides travelers from Oman with greater access to key destinations across Saudi. Expanding regional air links aligns with our broader mission to accelerate tourism growth and strengthen strategic partnerships” With the addition of Taif, Oman Air now operates five destinations to Saudi Arabia including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam and Madinah, underscoring the airline’s commitment to enhancing intra-regional connectivity and supporting broader economic and social links. Guests can enjoy the best fares when booking on www.omanair.com or Oman Air’s mobile app.
Read More »Oman Air and Fun & Sun signs strategic partnership to expand Russia–Salalah connectivity
Oman Air hosted an official signing ceremony with Fun & Sun to formalise their new strategic partnership aimed at expanding direct access between Moscow and Salalah. The partnership forms part of Oman Air’s broader commitment to enhancing point-to-point connectivity and supporting Oman’s growing tourism sector. Expected to draw thousands of visitors during its inaugural season, the initiative contributes directly to Oman’s national tourism objectives and supports the continued development of Dhofar as a year-round destination. The seasonal charter flights between Moscow and Salalah will operate between 26 December 2025 and 9 May 2026. Meanwhile, the airline, which flew more than 200,000 guests into Salalah during khareef’s peak period alone – a 15% increase over 2024 – continues to work closely with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Dhofar Municipality to promote the destination and support sustainable growth in domestic and inbound tourism. The event brought together senior representatives from both organisations, including Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, and Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun. Journalists from the Russian media and members of the local Omani media were also in attendance. Speaking at the ceremony, Mike Rutter, CCO of Oman Air, emphasised the significance of the collaboration, noting that strengthening direct routes from high-potential markets such as Russia aligns with the airline’s long-term commercial strategy and ongoing transformation. Yaroslav Stepanyuk, Commercial Director at Fun & Sun added, “Salalah is rapidly emerging as one of the most desirable winter-sun destinations for Russian travellers. Through this partnership, we are opening the door to a new chapter of growth and strengthening the bridge between our markets.” Oman Air’s ongoing focus on point-to-point growth has resulted in an increase …
Read More »
Tourism Breaking News