Oman Air has launched a new direct air service linking Muscat with Taif, expanding connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia and adding a fresh international route to the Kingdom’s western aviation network. The inaugural flight touched down at Taif International Airport this week, marking the start of a scheduled service operated three times a week.The route is being operated in partnership with Cluster2 Airports, the company responsible for managing Taif International Airport and several other regional airports in Saudi Arabia. Officials from both sides described the service as part of a broader effort to strengthen air links between the two countries while supporting tourism, trade, and people-to-people travel.
Taif, often referred to as the City of Roses because of its long-established rose farming industry and cooler summer climate, has been positioning itself as an emerging tourism and leisure destination. The city also serves as a seasonal gateway for religious travellers, particularly during the Umrah period, complementing air traffic flows into Jeddah and Madinah. Direct connectivity from Muscat is expected to reduce travel time and improve convenience for passengers who previously relied on indirect routes.
Oman Air said the Muscat–Taif service aligns with its network development strategy, which focuses on strengthening regional routes alongside long-haul operations. The airline has been refining its route map in line with demand recovery patterns across the Gulf and wider Middle East, placing emphasis on point-to-point connections that support both leisure and business travel. The Taif route adds to Oman Air’s existing footprint in Saudi Arabia, which already includes services to cities such as Jeddah, Madinah, Dammam, and Riyadh.
Cluster2 Airports highlighted that the new route reflects growing interest from international carriers in secondary and regional airports within Saudi Arabia. Taif International Airport has undergone capacity and service upgrades in recent years, aimed at handling higher passenger volumes and attracting new airlines. Airport officials indicated that direct links with Gulf capitals are a priority, given strong cultural, tourism, and economic ties.
The three-times-weekly schedule has been designed to offer flexibility for short-stay travellers as well as those connecting onward via Muscat. Oman Air’s hub at Muscat International Airport provides access to destinations across South Asia, East Africa, and parts of Europe, making the Taif route relevant not only for point-to-point demand but also for connecting traffic.
Tourism authorities in both countries see the route as supporting broader economic diversification goals. Oman has been investing heavily in tourism as a pillar of long-term growth, while Saudi Arabia continues to expand its visitor economy under Vision 2030. Taif, with its heritage sites, mountain scenery, and agricultural traditions, has been identified as a city with strong potential to attract both domestic and international visitors.
Industry analysts note that regional aviation has been witnessing a steady increase in direct routes linking Gulf capitals with smaller cities, reflecting changing travel preferences. Passengers are increasingly favouring non-stop services over traditional hub-and-spoke journeys, particularly for short and medium-haul travel. Airlines, in turn, are responding by deploying narrow-body aircraft on routes that were previously considered niche.
The Muscat–Taif service is also expected to benefit business travel, especially for companies operating across Oman and western Saudi Arabia. Improved air connectivity can shorten travel times for executives and technical staff, while supporting sectors such as logistics, hospitality, and construction that rely on cross-border mobility.
Oman Air’s leadership has previously indicated that careful capacity management and route profitability remain central to its operational decisions. The Taif launch suggests confidence in sustained demand on the corridor, supported by tourism flows, religious travel, and visiting friends and relatives traffic. Load factors and seasonal performance are likely to be closely monitored as the service matures.
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