Oman's low-cost carrier SalamAir has launched direct flights to the city of Abha in Saudi Arabia, in a move that strengthens air connectivity between the two countries and supports reciprocal tourism between the Sultanate of Oman and the Asir region, as part of the continued expansion of its regional network.
This came at a ceremony organized by the company at Muscat International Airport, attended by Ibrahim Saad Ibrahim bin Bishan, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman, along with a number of officials and partners from the Civil Aviation Authority, according to the Saudi Press Agency website.
Abha is the gateway to the Asir region, one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent tourist destinations, thanks to its natural diversity and cultural heritage, and efforts to develop the region and preserve its natural environment help enhance its year-round appeal. The direct route is expected to boost tourism between the Sultanate of Oman and the Asir region, especially during mild-weather seasons and tourism events.
Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir, explained that the company's year-round operation to Abha, its fifth destination in Saudi Arabia, confirms SalamAir's commitment to enhancing travel options among Gulf Cooperation Council countries and connecting them with other regions around the world.
He added that the new route forms an additional bridge for economic, social and cultural rapprochement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and offers travelers wider options and a comfortable, affordable travel experience.
For his part, Hatem Al-Harbi, CEO of the Tourism Destinations Sector at the Asir Development Authority in Saudi Arabia, said that SalamAir's launch of its first direct flights to Abha is an important step that helps highlight the region's renewed tourism assets and support tourism traffic, as well as strengthening joint cooperation and welcoming visitors from the Sultanate of Oman with integrated tourism experiences that enrich their trips to the region.
Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, Vice President of Aviation at the Saudi Tourism Authority, explained that SalamAir's launch of direct flights between Abha and Muscat "represents a step that strengthens our partnerships and opens wider horizons for connecting Asir with regional markets." He noted that the new route not only shortens distances but also supports joint efforts to enhance air connectivity and improve access to one of the Kingdom's most beautiful and diverse tourist destinations.
SalamAir will operate 4 weekly flights between Muscat and Abha, giving travelers flexible travel options and convenient schedules, as well as seamless connections with SalamAir's growing network to key destinations in India, the Gulf states and Salalah, supporting both direct and transit traffic through the company's main hub in Muscat.
With the addition of Abha as SalamAir's fifth destination in Saudi Arabia, along with the resumption of Beirut flights this December and the continued expansion of the company's fleet of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft, SalamAir is consolidating its position as an active partner in supporting the development of the tourism and logistics sectors in the Sultanate of Oman and enhancing regional connectivity, in line with the targets of Oman Vision 2040 to diversify the economy and expand and improve the efficiency of air transport options.
To view the post on the Oman News Agency website, click here.
