Passenger traffic set to rise 37% at Salalah Airport
Salalah – With the 2025 khareef season beginning in Dhofar on Saturday, Salalah Airport stated that it is fully prepared to handle a sharp rise in passenger traffic, supported by 12 local and international airlines now operating flights to the destination.
Zakaria bin Yaqoub al Harrasi, Vice-President of Salalah Airport, said the airport expects passenger numbers and flight movements to increase significantly compared to last year owing to continued efforts to improve operations and streamline services.
Passenger traffic this season is forecast to exceed 900,000 – a 37% increase over the 692,626 travellers recorded in 2024. Harrasi said the surge reflects both the growing popularity of the khareef season in Dhofar and the expanded flight network serving the region.
Domestic travellers will make up the largest share with 62.5% of total arrivals, followed by GCC visitors at 35.7% and tourists from India at 1.8%.
Flight movements are also projected to climb 36% this season with more than 5,000 inbound and outbound flights expected, compared to 3,869 last year.
A highlight for 2025 is the addition of Saudia, which launched its first direct flight from Jeddah to Salalah on Wednesday. The airline will operate three weekly flights throughout the season, boosting air connectivity between Oman and Saudi Arabia and offering more options for travellers.
Harrasi added that Oman Airports continues to invest in digital services to enhance the passenger experience. Now in its second year, the Safar Aisr (Travel Easier) initiative has introduced self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services and dedicated information centres to reduce wait times and simplify travel procedures.
The facilities are part of a wider strategy to accommodate rising tourist demand during khareef and to promote Dhofar as a key summer destination in the region.
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Observer
21 hours ago
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Khareef season officially begins today
SALALAH, June 20 The Sultanate of Oman officially welcomes the start of its annual Khareef Dhofar Season in Dhofar Governorate today — a unique climate phenomenon in the Arabian Peninsula that transforms the southern region of the country into a lush green paradise between June and September each year. Extending from the coastal town of Dhalkout in the west to Mirbat in the east, the season is driven by southwest monsoon winds that bring light rains, mist and cooler temperatures to the Dhofar mountains and plains. This natural shift turns the rugged desert landscape into verdant valleys, making Dhofar one of the most sought-after summer destinations in the Gulf. As visitors from Oman and abroad flock to the region, the country's civil aviation sector has announced full operational readiness across all airports and airlines to ensure smooth and safe travel to Salalah, the administrative centre of Dhofar. Oman Airports, Oman Air, SalamAir and the Civil Aviation Authority are coordinating closely to manage increased air traffic, introduce more daily flights and expand services during peak weeks in July and August. Oman's hospitality sector is also stepping up. More than 100 licensed hotels and resorts in Dhofar — offering over 8,000 rooms — have launched summer packages and upgraded services. Leading resorts like Al Baleed Salalah by Anantara and the Hawana Salalah complex are reporting near-full bookings, with expanded capacity and family-friendly activities. Apartment and villa operators, including local investors, are also playing a growing role in the sector, supported by digital platforms and regulatory tools such as the 'Sikka' rental initiative, which protects tenant and owner rights while boosting the short-term rental market. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion is deploying inspection teams and awareness campaigns to ensure a safe and competitive retail environment for tourists.
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Muscat Daily
Passenger traffic set to rise 37% at Salalah Airport
Salalah – With the 2025 khareef season beginning in Dhofar on Saturday, Salalah Airport stated that it is fully prepared to handle a sharp rise in passenger traffic, supported by 12 local and international airlines now operating flights to the destination. Zakaria bin Yaqoub al Harrasi, Vice-President of Salalah Airport, said the airport expects passenger numbers and flight movements to increase significantly compared to last year owing to continued efforts to improve operations and streamline services. Passenger traffic this season is forecast to exceed 900,000 – a 37% increase over the 692,626 travellers recorded in 2024. Harrasi said the surge reflects both the growing popularity of the khareef season in Dhofar and the expanded flight network serving the region. Domestic travellers will make up the largest share with 62.5% of total arrivals, followed by GCC visitors at 35.7% and tourists from India at 1.8%. Flight movements are also projected to climb 36% this season with more than 5,000 inbound and outbound flights expected, compared to 3,869 last year. A highlight for 2025 is the addition of Saudia, which launched its first direct flight from Jeddah to Salalah on Wednesday. The airline will operate three weekly flights throughout the season, boosting air connectivity between Oman and Saudi Arabia and offering more options for travellers. Harrasi added that Oman Airports continues to invest in digital services to enhance the passenger experience. Now in its second year, the Safar Aisr (Travel Easier) initiative has introduced self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services and dedicated information centres to reduce wait times and simplify travel procedures. The facilities are part of a wider strategy to accommodate rising tourist demand during khareef and to promote Dhofar as a key summer destination in the region.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Times of Oman
Dhofar's Khareef Season boosted by new Saudi Airlines route
Muscat: Salalah Airport in Dhofar Governorate today welcomed the inaugural Saudi Airlines flight from Jeddah, marking the commencement of three weekly flights between Salalah and Jeddah throughout the 2025 Dhofar Khareef (monsoon) season. Eng. Zakariya bin Yaqub Al-Harasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport, affirmed the airport's comprehensive readiness to receive travellers during the bustling Khareef season. He highlighted the participation of 12 local and international carriers and projected a significant surge in passenger traffic and flight operations compared to last year. This increase is attributed to continuous efforts to enhance operational efficiency, upgrade service quality, and streamline travel procedures. Passenger numbers are expected to exceed 900,000 this season, a substantial increase from 692,626 in the previous year, representing a nearly 37% rise. This growth underscores the increasing appeal of Dhofar's tourism season and the expansion of air connectivity. Al-Harasi further detailed the diverse origins of incoming visitors, stating that the majority of travellers (62.5%) will come from within Oman, followed by 35.7% from GCC countries, and 1.8% from India. Air traffic at Salalah Airport is also set for a notable increase of 36%, with over 5,000 inbound and outbound flights expected, up from 3,869 flights in 2024. A key milestone this season is the addition of Saudi Airlines to the roster of carriers operating direct flights to Salalah. This move significantly enhances connectivity and tourism ties between Oman and Saudi Arabia, offering travellers more options. Al-Harasi also highlighted Oman Airports' continued investment in digital services to improve the travel experience, including the "Safar As'hal" ('Travel Made Easier') initiative, now in its second year. This initiative features self-service kiosks, pre-check-in services, and information centres, all aimed at reducing wait times and streamlining processes. Meanwhile, His Excellency Ambassador Ibrahim bin Saad bin Bishan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accredited ambassador to Oman, praised the occasion as a reflection of the wise leadership in both nations and their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He emphasized the economic, tourism, and cultural benefits of these air links in serving the mutual interests of the two countries. He noted that the inaugural Saudi flight to Salalah carried not only Saudi and Omani passengers but also travellers of various nationalities—underscoring the international dimension of this direct air route.
