SalamAir Establishes Salalah’s First-Ever Airline Base

SalamAir has announced the establishment of Salalah’s first-ever airline base, marking a major step in the airline’s expansion and strengthening direct international connectivity from Oman’s Dhofar Governorate.

The Salalah-based operation will initially serve three international destinations — Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Chattogram in Bangladesh and Calicut in India.

Bookings for the new routes will open on August 26, with flights scheduled to begin from the end of October as part of SalamAir’s Winter 2026 schedule.

The new base builds on SalamAir’s increased support for travel to and from Salalah during the 2026 Khareef season. In response to higher demand, the airline increased capacity on the Muscat-Salalah route, operating up to 15 daily flights during the peak period and adding thousands of seats.

SalamAir also introduced special fares for Omani nationals, with one-way fares starting from OMR 9.99, supporting more affordable domestic travel between Muscat and Salalah.

The airline said the new Salalah base will extend its contribution beyond the Khareef season by supporting the year-round travel needs of residents and expatriate communities in Dhofar while providing direct access to key regional and international destinations.

The operation will be supported by SalamAir’s Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet. The airline currently operates 18 aircraft and serves more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said establishing the base would strengthen international connectivity, provide greater travel options for the community and support Salalah’s development as a year-round tourism and economic destination.

During the winter season, SalamAir will also operate charter flights connecting Salalah with Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan, supporting inbound tourism from Central Asia.

The airline said the Salalah base forms part of its wider growth strategy to expand its network from key airports across Oman, serve underserved markets and stimulate new travel demand.

SalamAir began operations in 2017 and currently operates more than 90 daily flights. The airline is targeting a fleet of 25 aircraft by 2028 as it continues to expand its network, increase frequencies and introduce new destinations.