Salalah; Salalah Airport received its first direct charter flight from the Republic of Kazakhstan this evening—a development that strengthens air connectivity between the two nations and contributes to boosting tourism in the Dhofar Governorate.
On Thursday, The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved Air Astana to operate two weekly flights between Salalah and the cities of Astana and Almaty from October 23.
Two weekly flights are scheduled to operate from the Kazakh capital, Astana, and the city of Almaty to Salalah Airport through the end of this year. This initiative is expected to attract more tourists from the Kazakh market and invigorate tourism activity within the governorate.
The flight was welcomed by Dr. Salim bin Abdullah Al-Shanfari, Honorary Consul and Chairman of the Omani-Kazakh Business Council, alongside representatives from relevant authorities and tourism companies.
Zakariya bin Yaqoub Al-Harrasi, Deputy CEO of Salalah Airport (Oman Airports), emphasized that the arrival of these flights expands the international flight network at Salalah Airport. He noted that this reflects the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders, airlines, and tour operators to enhance air connectivity and attract more international flights, thereby supporting year-round tourism growth.
Talal bin Humaid Al-Khasibi, Director General of the Directorate General of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar Governorate, explained that the launch of these flights helps diversify target tourism markets and increases the flow of visitors to Dhofar. It also serves to promote the governorate’s natural, heritage, and cultural assets, while supporting hospitality and tourism establishments and expanding partnerships with airlines and tour operators. These flights are part of efforts to enhance direct air connectivity with international markets, attract more visitors, and cement the status of Dhofar Governorate as a year-round tourist destination.
