Oman has readied a coordinated aviation plan for Khareef Dhofar 2026, expanding flight capacity to Salalah and tightening operational links between carriers, airport teams and civil aviation authorities ahead of the monsoon tourism rush.The season, which begins astronomically on 21 June and runs until 20 September, is one of the busiest travel periods in the Sultanate as cooler weather, mist, drizzle and green mountain landscapes draw visitors to Dhofar Governorate. The Civil Aviation Authority’s plan focuses on the high-demand Muscat–Salalah corridor while adding international links to support a broader tourism push.
Oman Air will operate its seasonal programme from early July until 5 September, while SalamAir will run its Khareef schedule from early July until 31 August. The timelines have been folded into an integrated operating framework designed to increase seat availability, reduce bottlenecks and keep passenger movement steady through Salalah Airport during peak weeks.
Oman Air is set to operate up to 13 daily flights on the Muscat–Salalah route at peak times, up from 12 daily flights under the 2025 plan. On selected high-demand days, services have been raised to 14 daily flights, reflecting stronger booking patterns and the need for flexible scheduling during weekends and holiday-linked travel.
SalamAir plans up to 10 daily flights on the same route during peak periods and will operate 984 flights across the season, compared with 962 flights in 2025. The additional services are aimed at widening access for residents, families and tourists while giving the airport more predictable flows across departure and arrival banks.
Projected capacity points to more than half a million seats across the two main national carriers. Oman Air’s expected seat allocation is about 330,000, compared with 313,000 last year, while SalamAir is expected to provide around 190,844 seats. Oman Air is forecast to carry about 298,000 passengers, up from 277,000 in 2025, representing growth of roughly 8 per cent. SalamAir is expected to transport more than 166,000 passengers, slightly higher than last season.
Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Yafaei, Director-General of Civil Aviation in Dhofar Governorate, has said the authority’s priority is to raise operational readiness, improve passenger services and streamline airport procedures. The plan relies on close coordination among airlines, airport operators, service providers and relevant government entities to respond quickly to changes in demand during the season.
Ticket affordability remains part of the strategy. Oman Air will continue fares approved for Omani citizens in 2024, with a return ticket priced at RO54 and a one-way ticket at RO32. SalamAir is offering three fare categories based on booking timing and baggage options, with one-way fares starting at RO9.99 for early bookings and reaching RO56.99 for late-booking return tickets with checked baggage.
The plan also extends beyond domestic travel. SalamAir will operate direct services to Salalah from Dammam and Baghdad, alongside its Muscat–Khasab route. Oman Air will launch a Dubai–Salalah service on 3 July, operating three flights a week, and has allocated around 18,000 seats between Salalah and destinations across the GCC from July to September. Extra seats are expected on peak days, particularly Thursdays and Saturdays.
Foreign carriers will also add to Salalah Airport’s seasonal schedule, with 68 flights planned. These include 39 services from the United Arab Emirates through Air Arabia, flydubai and Etihad Airways, 11 from Saudi Arabia through flynas, 14 from Qatar Airways and four from Air India Express.
The aviation expansion comes as Khareef tourism continues to grow as a core seasonal pillar for Dhofar’s economy. The 2025 season had already shown strong demand, with visitor numbers crossing 827,000 by mid-August and air arrivals rising sharply. The full 2024 season attracted more than 1 million visitors, underlining the pressure on transport, hospitality and municipal services during the monsoon window.
The Dhofar monsoon is shaped by moist seasonal winds from the Arabian Sea, producing low cloud, drizzle and cooler conditions in and around Salalah and the surrounding mountains. That climate pattern has turned Khareef into a distinctive Gulf tourism season, drawing domestic travellers, visitors from neighbouring states and expatriate families seeking a summer break without long-haul travel.
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Oman