Oman Air, the national carrier of Sultanate of Oman which is 82 percent owned by the Government, is scheduled to launch its inaugural flight to Riyadh and Jeddah this month. It will be stepping in to fill the gap in the market left by Gulf Air when it stopped flying direct flights to these destinations from Muscat earlier this year.
“We will be flying two times a week from Seeb International Airport in Muscat the Omani Capital, to both Riyadh and Jeddah. Everything is ready: Our maintenance crew, pilots, and flight attendants,” said Ziad Bin Karim Al Haremi Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air.
He Said, “The opportunity for us was granted to establish direct air links with one of the Middle East's key destinations. Riyadh the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia is one of the region’s most impressive cities, and one of the biggest airports in the world. Jeddah is the commercial hub and a major centre of trade and industry. The city has a vibrant market for both business and cultural passengers; also, it is the principal gateway to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam. We look forward to growing trade and tourism links between Oman and KSA by providing the opportunity to the people in and around Riyadh and Jeddah to travel to the Sultanate for the first time or just more often.
Riyadh and Jeddah are Oman Air’s first destinations in Saudi Arabia and the 13 in the Middle East. Other key destinations in the region include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Kuwait, Cairo, Amman, and Beirut.
“The launch falls in line with the airline’s 2007 strategy, initiated to expand its services in the Middle East moreover increase its leisure travel focus catering to Arab nationals, western expatriates and the returning Asian migrant work population. We are always looking for new opportunities to enhance our operations to the Middle East and other international overseas destinations. Adding new destinations and increasing frequencies to the region is a vital component of our strategy.” Al Haremi stated.
By adding new destinations and increasing frequencies to our services at Seeb International Airport, we are creating a long haul network and profile that will further build and enhance our reputation in this market." He concludes.
Oman Air’s Corporate Communications and Media Department informed that from September 21, the service will operate every Wednesday, Friday, with WY 665 departing Seeb International Airport in Muscat at 1130 hours and arriving to King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 1330 hours. The return flight, WY 666, departs Jeddah at 1630 hours, arriving in Muscat at 1840 hours. As for Riyadh, the service will operate every Saturday, Monday from 24 September, with WY 667 departing Muscat at 1610 hours and arriving at King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital Riyadh at 1710 hours. The return flight, WY 668, departs Riyadh At 1830 hours, arriving into Muscat the Omani Capital at 2130 hours.
