Civil Aviation Sector confirms full readiness for Dhofar Khareef Season 2025
Muscat: The Civil Aviation Sector has confirmed its complete operational readiness to ensure a safe, smooth and efficient travel experience for passengers visiting Dhofar Governorate during the upcoming Khareef season, which traditionally attracts increasing numbers of domestic and international tourists.
The comprehensive preparations involve coordinated efforts between the Civil Aviation Authority, Oman Airports, Oman Air and SalamAir as part of an integrated national system aimed at enhancing air transport operations. This includes increasing domestic flight frequencies and optimising operational efficiency at both Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport to ensure seamless air traffic flow while maintaining the highest standards of service quality and safety.
Authorities emphasised that these preparations reflect the sector's commitment to developing a comprehensive and sustainable aviation system that supports Oman's tourism economy. The civil aviation sector serves as a strategic partner in this regard, providing advanced infrastructure that contributes to economic growth while reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman's position as a leading tourist destination.
Operational readiness measures have been intensified thorough reviews of emergency response plans, verification of air traffic control system capabilities, provision of specialised aviation weather forecasts, and continuous coordination between all relevant entities. These efforts collectively ensure that travelers would experience safe and hassle-free journeys throughout the season.
Flight operations will see significant expansion during the peak period. Oman Air will operate up to 12 daily flights during the busiest periods starting from 1 July, while SalamAir will increase its operations to 8 daily flights during July and August, including the introduction of a new direct route between Sohar and Salalah from 15 July with one daily flight.
Capacity enhancements include Oman Air adding over 70,000 additional seats for the season, representing a 16% increase compared to last year, while SalamAir has expanded its capacity by 58% with approximately 176,000 seats available for 2025. These adjustments directly respond to growing passenger demand while supporting Dhofar's tourism sector during the Khareef season.
Special fare structures remain in place for Omani citizens, with Oman Air maintaining fixed pricing starting at OMR32 for one-way trips and OMR54 for round trips between 1 July and 15 September. Similarly, SalamAir offers fares beginning at OMR30 for single journeys and OMR48 for return flights during the same period.
Oman Airports Company has completed comprehensive preparations at both Muscat and Salalah airports to deliver an integrated travel experience. These include streamlined passenger processing from initial booking to final arrival.
Salalah Airport introduces innovative services to enhance passenger convenience, including the "Travel Easier" initiative that allows travelers to complete check-in and baggage drop procedures between 6 to 12 hours before departure. This service operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM between 15 July and 15 September 2025, specifically designed to reduce congestion and improve terminal accessibility.
A new drive-through check-in service will debut this season as part of the "Travel Easier" programme, enabling passengers to complete all departure formalities including boarding pass collection and baggage check-in without exiting their vehicles. This pioneering service represents a significant advancement in travel convenience and customer experience at Salalah Airport.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the aviation sector's commitment to supporting Oman's tourism industry while maintaining operational excellence and delivering world-class travel services throughout the Dhofar Khareef season 2025.
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