More flights from Salalah to GCC countries soon
Etihad and Gulf Air plan to increase number of flights to meet upcoming Khareef season rush
Times News Service
MUSCAT: Passengers flying to Salalah for the upcoming Khareef festival from the other GCC countries will now have more options available to them when they fly to the Sultanate
Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced direct seasonal flights from Abu Dhabi to Salalah during the months of July and August.
The move comes as part of its seasonal expansion plans, which also includes Alexandria in Egypt. In addition. Gulf Air had also previously announced flights from Manama, the capital of Bahrain, to Salalah. These flights will operate from 15 June to 14 September.
Salalah, known for its natural beauty and culture, is also particularly popular during these months with those looking to enjoy and experience the region’s unique Khareef, or green season. Both destinations attract large numbers of visitors during the summer months. EY390, which will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, will take off from Abu Dhabi at 8:05am, before landing in Salalah at 10am. It takes off from Salalah at 10:50am, and lands in the Emirati capital at 12:40 in the afternoon.
Robin Kamark, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to offer our guests new choices of holiday destinations during the summer months. Alexandria and Salalah are popular destinations for residents in the UAE, and from further afield. Whether they’re looking to spend time with family or friends over the summer holidays, or planning to visit the stunning southern coast of the Arabian Peninsula during Khareef, we are sure that our guests will enjoy all that these new destinations have to offer.”
Speaking about Gulf Air’s operations over the summer, Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Krešimir Kučko said “We are constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance our customers’ travel experience by adding new routes and increasing flight frequencies, we chose Salalah as part of our summer schedule in response to positive customer feedback by expanding our network in tune with the demands of the season. With competitive fares and convenient flights from Gulf Air, I am sure travellers can enjoy their best summer vacation by visiting this fabulous destination.” Salalah provides a welcome relief with its cool climate, monsoon rains, misty mountains, flowing wadis and verdant gardens while the popular Salalah Khareef Festival offers a wholesome family vacation. With its new business model concept, Gulf Air aims to grow strategically in size, expand to more boutique destinations in 2019 and continue fleet modernisation programme by receiving two more Boeing 7879 Dreamliners and four Airbus A320neos this year.