Salalah airport welcomes 284,000 visitors in khareef season this year
The airport can handle 2 million passengers per year and it can be expanded to 6 mn passengers
MUSCAT: Salalah Airport has welcomed over 284,000 Khareef visitors between June 15 and August 15, according to the latest visitor data published by the National Centre for Statistical Information (NCSI).
The statistical centre reported that 529,000 people visited the region during the Khareef season on 2,263 local and international flights.
Salim bin Awadh al Yafaei, Salalah Airport General Manager, said that the terminal experienced an unprecedented number of passengers and put measures in place to handle the high number of passengers.
“Despite the large numbers, airport staff welcomed travellers with the highest levels professionalism, ensuring smooth and efficient immigration, customs and baggage procedures. Overall, passengers to Salalah Airport experienced short waiting times, which is a clear evidence of the professionalism and readiness of the airport staff, this despite the airport only becoming operational in June 2015.”
Salalah Airport’s Airport Operations Manager, Ali Bakhet Fadhel, said: “In a high pressure environment, professional and responsive airport staff are key to ensuring procedures and protocols are followed smoothly, and thus preventing any delays for passengers.”
“Our staff conducted their work according to the highest international standards, welcoming thousands of passengers each day and ensuring their experience at the airport is as pleasant and brief as possible.”
Speaking about his experience at Salalah Airport, Hisham Abdulmajeed from UAE said: “I travel regularly for work and often with my family so I understand that sometimes there are delays at immigration and baggage counters after flights. When I travelled to Salalah, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and professionalism of the airport staff to ensure all passengers’ processes were completed quickly so they can make the most of the beauty Salalah has to offer.”
A regular traveler to Salalah, Omani national Mohamed al Hadhrami said: “The Khareef season is a permanent fixture in my yearly travel schedule. I visit Salalah every year at this time. Because of the distance involved, I prefer to travel by plane rather than by car. When I arrived this year I was astounded by the friendly reception and personal service provided by the airport staff. I would like to thank the airport management for their efforts in delivering professional and friendly services, which are fantastic even considering the large footfall during this season.”
Gateway to the Dhofar Governorate, Salalah Airport began operation in June last year as Oman’s second major passenger airport.
Spanning over 65,000 sqmt and inspired by traditional Omani architecture, the airport houses 28 counters and self-service booths, 8 airline bridges, multiple retail stores and restaurants, a VIP lounge and a car park with 1,957 parking spaces. The airport has a current capacity of 2 million passengers each year with future expansions planned to cater to up to 6 million passengers annually.