Oman Air, the Sultanate’s flagship carrier, recorded a huge surge in traffic between Muscat and Salalah during the Eid Al Adha holidays with a 55 per cent increase in passengers and 75 per cent increase in flights.

The airline operated 42 extra flights on the domestic route between October 19 and November 3, in addition to the 172 scheduled services, a statement from Oman Air said.

The total number of flights reached 214, which represents 92 flights more than last year’s total flights during the same period.

The total number offered seats was 28,441 seats – almost 10,000 more seats than over the same period last year, the statement said. 23,255 passengers flew on the route, an increase of about 8,295 compared with the similar period in 2011.

Wayne Pearce, CEO, Oman Air, said: “These figures are very encouraging and demonstrate both Oman Air’s continuing commitment to investing in travel to Salalah and the popularity of Oman Air’s outstanding services on this strategic domestic route.”

“The airline continues to promote Salalah as an ideal year-round destination for visitors from both within Oman and further afield, and to serving the needs of the people living in the Dhofar region.”

“We are delighted that we have been able to offer additional flights and outstanding deals, thus encouraging many more people to fly with Oman Air and experience the beauty and hospitality that Salalah and Dhofar have to offer.”

Oman Air offers flights between Salalah and Dubai, as an addition to its promotion of Salalah, offering even greater convenience for visitors travelling from destinations around the Gulf region.

Salalah is the ancient principal town in the southern-most Omani Governorate of Dhofar. For hundreds of years it has been a vital trading centre and home to the region’s frankincense trade. Located between precipitous mountains and the Indian Ocean, the area enjoys a monsoon season unique to southern Arabia and known as the Khareef.

“Oman Air works globally to promote the Sultanate as an exciting destination for holiday-makers. Salalah’s popularity continues to grow, both for domestic travellers and also for regional and international tourists,” Pearce said.

“Our luxurious modern aircraft provide the perfect way to travel to Oman from any one of the 42 destinations within our ever-expanding network and many new visitors are discovering the unspoilt natural beauty and authentic Arabian hospitality that Salalah has to offer,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service