Etihad Airways has launched its new direct service between Abu Dhabi and Salalah, strengthening connectivity between the UAE and Oman ahead of the Khareef Dhofar 2026 season.
The inaugural flight has arrived at Salalah Airport, marking the start of Etihad’s seasonal operations to Dhofar Governorate with two weekly flights between Abu Dhabi International Airport and Salalah Airport.
The service will expand to five weekly flights from 15 June to meet increased demand during the Khareef season, when Salalah’s mountains and coastline transform into lush green landscapes.
The new route marks Etihad Airways’ second destination in Oman alongside Muscat, where the airline is celebrating 20 years of operations this year. With a flight time of less than two hours, the service is expected to provide travelers from Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider global network with easier access to one of the Gulf’s most popular seasonal tourism destinations.
The new Abu Dhabi-Salalah service forms part of Etihad Airways’ broader regional expansion strategy aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism growth across the Gulf region.
The launch also supports Oman Airports’ strategy to attract more international carriers and strengthen tourism traffic to Salalah during the annual monsoon season, which continues to drive visitor growth across Dhofar Governorate.
Antonoaldo Neves CEO – Etihad Airways
“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.”
Eng. Zakariya Yaqoob Al Harrasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport, said that the arrival of Etihad Airways’ first flight represents a significant addition to the airport’s growing air traffic during the Dhofar tourism season.
He noted that Salalah Airport continues to work with partners to support tourism growth throughout the year and expects increased passenger traffic during the current season, supported by the expansion of digital services and streamlined travel procedures through self-service points and airport information centers.
Salalah Airport has continued to strengthen its regional and international profile, becoming the first airport in the Middle East to receive a ‘5-Star Regional Airport‘ rating in its category under the Skytrax World Airport Awards. It was also ranked eighth globally in the Airports Council International passenger satisfaction program within the two million passengers category during its first participation in the service quality assessment initiative.
