• Operated 214 flights
• Offered more than 28000 seats
• 55% increase in Passengers carried
• 75% increase in number of flights

Oman Air has recorded a huge surge in traffic between Muscat and Salalah during the Eid Al Adha holidays this year.

The national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman operated 42 extra flights on the domestic route between 19th October and 3rd November 2012, in addition to the 172 scheduled services. Thus, the total number of flights reached 214, which represents 92 flights more than last year's total flights during the same period. The total number offered seats was 28441 seats – almost 10,000 more seats than over the same period last year. 23255 passengers flew on the route, an increase of about 8295 compared with the similar period in 2011.

Wayne Pearce, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Air said:

"Once again, and following the past festive season following the Holy month of Ramadan, these figures are very encouraging and demonstrate both Oman Air's continuing commitment to investing in travel to Salalah and the popularity of Oman Air's outstanding services on this strategic domestic route.

"Oman Air continues to promote Salalah as an ideal year-round destination for visitors from both within Oman and further afield, and to serving the needs of the people living in the Dhofar region. We are therefore delighted that we have been able to offer additional flights and outstanding deals, thus encouraging many more people to fly with Oman Air and experience the beauty and hospitality that Salalah and Dhofar have to offer."

The number of flights was increased to meet strong demand as a result of the traditionally-busy Eid period.

Oman Air additionally offers flights between Salalah and Dubai, as an addition to its promotion of Salalah, thus offering even greater convenience for visitors travelling from destinations around the Gulf region.

Salalah is the ancient principal town in the southern-most Omani Governorate of Dhofar. For hundreds of years it has been a vital trading centre and home to the region's frankincense trade. Located between precipitous mountains and the Indian Ocean, the area enjoys a monsoon season unique to southern Arabia and known as the Khareef.

Wayne Pearce concluded:

"Oman Air, as the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, works globally to promote Oman as an exciting destination for holiday-makers. Salalah's popularity continues to grow, both for domestic travellers and also for regional and international tourists. Our luxurious modern aircraft provide the perfect way to travel to Oman from any one of the 42 destinations within our ever-expanding network and many new visitors are discovering the unspoilt natural beauty and authentic Arabian hospitality that Salalah has to offer. We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to Salalah, and Oman as a whole, over the coming months."