Omani carrier SalamAir is considering establishing a base at the city of Salalah and opening routes to several regional destinations.
SalamAir says it is looking at the possibility of operating to Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, and has also signalled that it would seek to serve India.
The airline is stationed at the Omani capital Muscat, but already operates 21 weekly flights to Salalah as part of a network which includes 14 destinations.
It says Salalah is emerging as an “up and coming” tourism centre, and it has opened a sales office in the city. Expansion of its operation is subject to negotiations and approval from local authorities.
“[We] want to achieve greater air connectivity for Oman, which is key to unlocking the sultanate’s economic diversification strategy and growth potential,” says chief executive Mohamed Ahmed.
“Our decision will depend on the facilities that will be provided to make Salalah a hub.”
SalamAir would base part of its fleet at Salalah if it obtains clearance. The airline operates a mix of Airbus A320 and A320neo jets, and it is to introduce another five A320neos from the first half of this year.
“Direct international flights from Salalah will create additional demand and reflect positively on the local economy,” says Ahmed.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
