Salalah Airport in Oman recently received the first Kuwait Airways flight carrying 220 tourists, marking the beginning of the Khareef Dhofar season in 2024. The airport is set to operate four weekly flights between Kuwait International Airport and Salalah Airport until the end of October. This inaugural flight signifies the start of many other airlines from Gulf Cooperation Council countries arriving at Salalah Airport during the Khareef Dhofar season, which starts in June. Oman Airports has prepared fully to receive visitors this season, with flights scheduled from local and regional airlines as well as other international carriers including Flynas, Jazeera Airways, and Salam Air.
Flynas will be operating ten weekly flights from three major cities in Saudi Arabia to Salalah Airport, while Jazeera Airways will offer direct flights from Kuwait to Salalah three times a week. Moreover, Salam Air will provide direct flights from Baghdad, Bahrain, and Fujairah to Salalah once a week each, catering to the increasing demand for travel to the region. The Executive Vice President of Salalah Airport emphasized the importance of providing all necessary means to receive passengers efficiently and cooperate with strategic partners to ensure a smooth travel experience for all visitors.
In May of this year, Salalah Airport saw a significant increase in the number of flights, with a 26% growth compared to the same month in the previous year. International flights led this growth, with a 14% increase, while domestic flights also saw a 42% rise. The total number of passengers passing through Salalah Airport in March reached 95,336, marking a 17% increase. Notably, during the Khareef season of 2023 until August 15, 2023, the airport experienced a 29% increase in air traffic and a 43.4% increase in passengers compared to the same period in 2022.
The success of Salalah Airport has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Best Airport in the Middle East award in the “Customer Experience” category for 2023 with two million passengers. Additionally, the airport was honored with awards for having the most dedicated airport employees, smoothest airport procedures, most enjoyable airport, and best airport cleanliness in the Middle East across all categories. These accolades highlight the airport’s commitment to providing exceptional service to its passengers and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and efficiency.
As the Khareef Dhofar season approaches, Salalah Airport is gearing up to welcome a growing number of tourists and visitors to the region. With the support of various airlines offering direct flights to and from key destinations in the Middle East, Salalah Airport aims to provide a seamless travel experience for all passengers. The airport’s recent achievements and awards underscore its reputation as a top airport in the region, known for its exceptional customer service, efficient operations, and dedication to passenger satisfaction.
