AGP Executive Report

Salalah Air Links: Air Astana has launched direct flights from Astana and Almaty, with two weekly services scheduled through the end of 2026. The routes open new access to Dhofar for Kazakh visitors. Winter Connections: Air India Express’ winter schedule runs from October 25 to March 27, linking Muscat and Salalah with four Kerala destinations. Visitor Growth: Oman Air has signed a deal to bring 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027, while SalamAir is expanding its Indonesian stopover programme. Tourist Protection: A Muscat travel agency has been ordered to suspend operations for a year after cancelling overseas holiday packages; its representative received a three-month jail sentence. Hospitality: Tivoli LA VIE Muscat Hotel & Residences has opened in the capital.

New Salalah Links: Salalah Airport welcomed its first direct charter from Kazakhstan, with Air Astana set to operate twice-weekly flights from Astana and Almaty through year-end, opening Dhofar to a new visitor market. Winter Connections: Air India Express’ winter schedule adds flights from Muscat and Salalah to four Kerala cities from Oct. 25 to March 27. Visitor Growth: Oman Air’s agreement to bring 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027, alongside SalamAir’s expanded Indonesian stopover programme, could boost arrivals from Southeast Asia. Sailing: Oman took home multiple medals as Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship wrapped up, with more than 100 sailors competing. Travel Watch: US terrorism-related advisories cover Oman and other regional destinations; flight disruption is greatest in Saudi Arabia, so check airline updates before connecting.

Regional Travel Watch: Beaches in the UAE’s Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah have closed after an oil spill from a tanker reportedly hit near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have also warned of possible attacks on Gulf undersea cables if conflict resumes. More Visitors to Salalah: Oman Air has signed a deal to bring 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027, while SalamAir is extending its stopover programme to Indonesia. New Muscat Stay: Tivoli LA VIE Muscat Hotel & Residences has opened in Madinat Al Irfan, with 79 rooms, 21 serviced apartments, a rooftop pool and direct access to a golf course. Flights and Events: SalamAir has launched services to Erbil and Damascus. Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship wrapped up with Omani sailors winning a strong medal haul. Outdoor Safety: Oman’s Air Wing rescued an injured hiker after a fall in Saham and flew him to Sohar Hospital.

Hiker Safety: Oman’s ROP Air Wing airlifted an injured hiker to Sohar Hospital after a fall in Saham, a reminder to prepare carefully for mountain trips. Holiday Planning: The November 25–26 National Day holiday creates a four-day break with the weekend, giving residents time to plan a domestic getaway. More Air Links: SalamAir has launched flights to Erbil and Damascus and expanded its stopover programme to Indonesia, while Oman Air expects to bring 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027. Travel Disruptions: Regional tensions have prompted security warnings that include Oman, with possible flight cancellations and airspace closures; check airline updates before travelling.

National Day Break: Oman’s November 25–26 holiday, followed by the weekend, creates a four-day break for residents planning a domestic getaway. New Flight Links: SalamAir is starting Muscat–Erbil flights on October 25 and Muscat–Damascus on October 28, adding options for regional travel and bringing visitors to Oman. Tourism Growth: Oman Air has signed an agreement to attract 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027, while SalamAir is expanding its stopover offer to Indonesian travellers. Travel Watch: The US has included Oman in a regional security alert warning of possible flight disruptions amid rising tensions; travellers should check airline updates before departure.

Air Connectivity: SalamAir is adding Muscat–Erbil flights from October 25 and Muscat–Damascus from October 28, opening new links for visitors and regional travellers. Oman Air has also signed a deal to bring 30,000 Indonesian visitors to Salalah in 2027, while SalamAir is expanding its stopover offer to Indonesia. Holiday Planning: Oman’s National Day break falls on November 25–26, creating a four-day break with the weekend and a chance to explore celebrations across the governorates. Travel Updates: A US security alert covering Oman warns of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures amid regional tensions. Travellers should check airline updates before departure. Culture and Events: Oman will be guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair from November 4–15. Muscat’s Royal Opera House will host international military bands November 5–7.

Visitor Growth: Oman Air has agreed to support 30,000 Indonesian visits to Salalah in 2027, with seats from Jakarta via Muscat bundled with tourism packages showcasing Dhofar and the wider country. Stopover Offers: SalamAir is expanding its Oman stopover programme with Indonesian “Umrah Plus” packages; more than 1,000 passengers are confirmed for September and October, with around 6,500 more in the pipeline through February. New Connections: Air Astana is set to launch weekly nonstop flights between Almaty and Salalah on October 23, while Oman Air and Finnair’s codeshare deal aims to widen connections to Europe and Australia. Sailing: Musannah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are underway, drawing competitors to Oman’s coast. Travel Watch: Rising regional security risks and flight disruptions could affect journeys around the Gulf; travellers should check airline updates before departure.

Indonesia Market: Oman Air has partnered with Indonesian firm Adhwaa Al Ardh Al Satiaa to bring 30,000 visitors to Salalah in 2027, with seats from Jakarta via Muscat bundled with tourism packages showcasing Dhofar and the wider Sultanate. Stopover Growth: SalamAir is expanding its stopover programme with overnight “Umrah Plus” packages for Indonesian travellers connecting through Muscat; more than 1,000 passengers are confirmed for September and October, with another 6,500 in the pipeline through February 2027. Sailing Tourism: Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are nearing their finale, drawing regional and international competitors across several classes. Air Links: Oman Air’s new Finnair partnership is set to widen connections between Europe and Australia, while SalamAir’s Amadeus deal aims to boost its global reach.

Oman in the Spotlight: Sultan Haitham’s historic UK state visit showcased the country’s longstanding ties with Britain, while King Charles praised Oman’s diplomatic efforts to ease regional tensions. Travel Connections: Air Astana is set to launch weekly nonstop Almaty–Salalah flights on October 23; Oman Air’s codeshare with Finnair and SalamAir’s expanded global distribution also promise more booking and connection options. Aviation Alert: The EU aviation agency extended its warning over Gulf airspace, including Oman, through November 16. Travelers should check airline updates before departure. New Stay: Oman has signed a deal for Malakai, an integrated resort and freehold villa development in Barka, with 51 accommodation units and a focus on wellness and Omani garden heritage. Events and Heritage: Musannah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are drawing competitors to Oman, while researchers have mapped around 5,500 ancient tombs near Bisya, adding to the country’s rich cultural attractions.

Oman-UK Ties: Sultan Haitham’s state visit to Britain—the first by an Omani head of state since 1982—opened with a Windsor welcome, with trade, diplomacy and cultural ties on the agenda. Muscat Arrivals: The new Majlis at Muscat International Airport offers arriving visitors a dedicated welcome space inspired by Omani hospitality. Airline Reach: SalamAir’s Amadeus deal will make its fares and services available to a wider network of travel sellers, helping international customers book the carrier. Sailing: Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are underway, with Omani sailors among the leaders. On the Road: Indian rider Sharath Kumar Ozias Gabriel reached Oman after a 39,000-kilometre journey across 38 countries, ending an expedition promoting fitness and active ageing. Travel Watch: Regional tensions and security alerts could affect travel plans; check airline updates and official advice before departure.

Travel Alert: US missions urged Americans in Oman and 11 other Middle Eastern locations to stay alert, warning that escalating tensions could bring airspace closures, flight cancellations and other disruption. Gulf Bus Links: Oman-based booking platform Shawy now offers more than 100 routes, including online services from Oman to Riyadh, Makkah, Fujairah, Al Ain and Sharjah. Air Connectivity: Oman Air and Finnair’s codeshare deal is set to widen connections to Finland and onward destinations. Sailing Tourism: Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship reached their midpoint, with Omani sailors among the leaders. Mountain Escape: Jebel Shams recorded 8°C, offering hikers and campers a cool-weather retreat about 240km from Muscat.

Air Connectivity: Oman Air’s new codeshare with Finnair expands connections to Helsinki via London and other European hubs, with onward links to Melbourne via Bangkok. Travel Advisories: US security alerts include Oman and warn of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures amid regional tensions; travelers should check schedules before departure. Events & Arrivals: Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship are underway, with Omani sailors among the early leaders. European winter charter flights are also bringing visitors to Oman. Tourism Investment: Musandam has surpassed key tourism, investment and employment targets, while a new $15 million tourism and commercial project is getting underway on Masirah.

Salalah Winter Tourism: The first direct charter from Hungary arrived in Salalah with 182 tourists as Dhofar’s winter flight programme resumed. Cooler months are also bringing visitors to desert camps and Rub Al Khali safaris. Air Connectivity: Oman Air and Finnair have launched a codeshare linking Muscat with Helsinki via London and other European hubs, and Melbourne via Bangkok. Air Astana is also due to begin weekly flights from Almaty and Astana to Salalah later this month. Sailing: Mussanah Race Week and the Arab Women’s Sailing Championship opened with more than 100 sailors from seven countries, alongside new sustainability activities. Regional Travel: Riyadh airport remains suspended amid security threats, while airports in Oman are reported operational; travellers should check directly with airlines and airports for updates.

Air Connectivity: Oman Air and Finnair have launched a codeshare linking Muscat with Helsinki via London and other European hubs, with onward connections to Melbourne via Bangkok. Sailing Tourism: The 15th Mussanah Race Week and Arab Women’s Sailing Championship have opened with more than 100 sailors from seven countries, alongside new sustainability initiatives. Salalah Routes: Air Astana is set to begin weekly direct flights from Almaty and Astana to Salalah on October 23 and 24, opening a new link for Kazakh visitors. Musandam Development: The governorate says it activated four tourism sites and put 11 investment opportunities into use in the first nine months of 2026, while advancing plans for a tourism zone, Khasab Port and a new airport. Travel Disruptions: Amid reported attacks on ships around the Strait of Hormuz and airport closures in Saudi Arabia, a US advisory says Oman’s Muscat airport remains operational; travellers should check airline and airport updates.

Travel Disruptions: Attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have hit a new monthly high, raising risks for shipping and regional travel. Riyadh airport remains closed and other Saudi airports face delays, while Oman’s airports are operating. Musandam Tourism: The governorate says it has activated four tourism sites and put 11 investment opportunities into use, exceeding annual targets; plans include a tourism zone and improved transport links. Air Links: Oman Air is adding winter capacity and codeshare options, while Air Astana is due to launch weekly nonstop flights to Salalah on October 23. New Development: Oman has laid the foundation for a $15 million tourism and commercial project on Masirah Island.

Musandam Tourism: The governorate says it has activated four tourism sites and exceeded its annual investment targets, while 580 job seekers found work by the end of September. Plan Your Visit: Oman’s Foreign Ministry recommends travelling from September to March, when temperatures are generally 25–30°C; Al Hajar and Dhofar offer cooler options in summer. Visitors are also urged to dress respectfully, ask before photographing people and follow local rules. New Connections: Air Astana is set to launch weekly nonstop Almaty–Salalah flights on October 23, while Oman Air’s winter schedule adds frequencies and codeshare options. Tourism Investment: Oman has broken ground on a $15 million tourism and commercial project on Masirah, adding to planned developments in Madinat Al Irfan and Yiti.