Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, celebrated the inaugural flight of its new service to Salalah, introducing a direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Oman's southern coastal city.

The new route will operate year-round, launching with two weekly flights on May 21 and increasing to five flights per week from June 15 to coincide with the Khareef season, when Salalah's coastline and mountains transform into vibrant green landscapes.

The new Salalah route is Etihad's second destination in Oman, complementing its long-standing operations to Muscat, which celebrates 20 years of operation this year.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "Launching services to Salalah marks an exciting new chapter in Etihad's commitment to strengthening connectivity to Oman. For 20 years now, our operations to Muscat have played an important role in connecting communities and cultures, and this new route builds on that proud history.

"Salalah is a truly unique destination, renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, particularly during the Khareef season, when it transforms into one of the Arabian Peninsula's most captivating holiday escapes. We are delighted to offer our guests easier access to this exceptional destination while continuing to support tourism growth across our network." -TradeArabia News Service