Tag Archives: Muscat

Oman Air is expanding its network with the launch of a new direct service to Sochi, further strengthening connectivity between Oman and Russia. Starting 2 July 2026, the airline will operate weekly year-round flights to the popular Black Sea resort city, offering travellers seamless access to one of Russia’s leading leisure hubs. Known as the ‘Russian Riviera’, Sochi is celebrated for its distinctive blend of seaside resorts, mountain scenery and mild climate, making it an attractive destination across seasons. The new service complements Oman Air’s expanding Russia network and responds to growing demand from Russian travellers choosing to visit Oman. The airline operates scheduled services between Moscow and Muscat with up to 11 flights per week, in addition to charter flights between Moscow and Salalah, which were launched in December 2025. Together with an expanding network – which has seen the launch of multiple new routes in recent months – and the airline’s success in growing point-to-point traffic, Oman Air is further positioning Oman as a primary destination, playing a pivotal role in stimulating tourism revenue and supporting adjacent sectors. “Our network continues to evolve as we identify opportunities to connect Oman with high-potential markets,” said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “The launch of Sochi builds on the strong performance of our Moscow services and reflects growing point-to-point demand between Russia and Oman. By expanding access to Oman through strategically added destinations, we are actively supporting tourism growth and contributing to Oman’s broader economic diversification goals.” With flights operating weekly throughout the year, the Muscat-Sochi service enhances bilateral connectivity and reinforces Oman’s position as an attractive, accessible destination in the region. The route will be operated by …

SalamAir announced that ticket sales are now open for its new direct flights between Muscat and Damascus, Syria, further expanding its Middle East network and enhancing regional air connectivity. The first flight on the Muscat–Damascus route is scheduled to operate on 02 May, with conveniently timed services operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a major cultural and economic center in the Levant. Renowned for its historic old city, traditional markets, and rich architectural heritage, the city also serves as an important hub for commerce, education, and public institutions. The addition of Damascus aligns with SalamAir’s ongoing network expansion strategy, focused on meeting demand for direct and affordable regional travel. The route is designed to serve the Syrian community in Oman while also strengthening connectivity through Muscat, enabling efficient onward access to SalamAir’s wider network. Commenting on the sales launch, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir, said: “Choosing Damascus to be our next route, and to be the first Omani airline to operate to Syria, reflects our strategic and commercially driven approach to network expansion. This service has been carefully designed to meet clear travel needs between Oman and Syria. By enhancing international air connectivity from our home in Muscat, the Damascus route supports the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, while remaining aligned with our planning framework to ensure sustainable growth, operational reliability, and value for our customers.” The announcement of Damascus represents the fourth new destination announced by SalamAir in recent weeks, with Damascus joining Port Sudan, Medan and Vienna as new markets to be operated from Muscat in 2026. Flights are now available for booking via …

Hilton announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region. The three hotels will be located within Barr Al Jissah, an iconic waterfront luxury development on Muscat’s coastline. Surrounded by rugged mountains and secluded beaches, Barr Al Jissah combines natural beauty with world-class hospitality experiences – making it a timeless destination for leisure visitors, wellness seekers, families, and business travellers, all within 40 minutes of Muscat International Airport. Carlos Khneisser, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said: “The debut of Waldorf Astoria in Oman, alongside the new Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton properties, marks a significant new chapter for Hilton in the Sultanate. Oman’s rich culture, heritage, and natural landscapes continue to attract discerning travellers. These new properties will enable us to meet that growing demand across both leisure and business segments – supporting Oman’s Vision 2040, which aims to attract 12 million tourists annually to the Sultanate by 2040. Together with The Zubair Corporation, we are proud to bring this transformative destination to life and strengthen Oman’s position as a leading tourism hub.” Niels Bormans, Group Chief Executive Officer at The Zubair Corporation, added: “The collaboration with Hilton reflects our shared vision for Oman’s tourism future. By combining Hilton’s global expertise with our commitment to preserving the Sultanate’s heritage and natural beauty, Barr Al …