SalamAir is accelerating its international expansion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a core growth market alongside new connections across Africa and Europe. Speaking on the airline’s evolving network strategy, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir, outlined a disciplined, data-driven approach focused on underserved markets, operational reliability and building Muscat into a competitive transit hub. Excerpts:
Saudi Arabia remains a priority
Saudi Arabia continues to play a central role in SalamAir’s expansion, with Abha becoming the airline’s fifth destination in the Kingdom. Demand between Oman and Saudi Arabia is supported by tourism, religious travel, family connections and growing economic ties.
The airline has recorded average passenger growth of around 20% over the past three years, reflecting strong demand across its regional network. SalamAir is also assessing opportunities beyond major hubs, particularly in secondary cities where demand remains strong and affordable connectivity is needed.
Route strategy driven by demand
SalamAir’s route selection focuses on markets where the airline can stimulate new demand while strengthening Oman’s global connectivity. When evaluating destinations such as Abha, Nairobi and Vienna, the airline assesses passenger flows, price sensitivity and economic links, alongside integration into Muscat’s connectivity network. This approach aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises tourism development, economic diversification and improved international accessibility.
Europe as next growth frontier
The launch of direct flights to Vienna marks SalamAir’s first scheduled connection between Oman and Central Europe and signals the airline’s growing ambitions in the European market. Data indicating strong passenger flows between Oman and Austria via connecting routes gave the airline confidence to launch direct services. Europe is expected to play an increasing role in SalamAir’s network over time, with additional destinations under consideration based on commercial viability and operational readiness.
As the airline expands across multiple regions, maintaining operational performance remains a priority. Network growth is paced according to fleet availability, crew readiness and system capability. SalamAir reported an annual on-time performance of 81.3% in 2025 and continues to publish performance data as part of its transparency commitment. Maintaining reliability while scaling operations is viewed as essential to sustaining customer trust.
Strengthening Muscat as a hub
Muscat is becoming increasingly important to SalamAir’s business model as a hub connecting the GCC, Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent. While point-to-point travel accounts for around 60% of traffic, transfer passengers are playing a growing role in supporting route viability and network resilience. Onward traffic represents approximately a quarter of Muscat’s capacity, reflecting steady progress in building connectivity through the airport.
Looking ahead, SalamAir is pursuing disciplined fleet expansion to support network growth and improve operational resilience. Three aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, with a longer-term goal of reaching 30 aircraft by 2030. The airline has already launched new routes including Port Sudan and plans to introduce services to destinations such as Damascus, Vienna, Medan and Mombasa, with further announcements expected. As SalamAir expands its footprint, the airline continues to focus on cost efficiency, affordable fares and strengthening its position as Oman’s low-cost carrier while supporting tourism and economic development.
