Oman's low-cost carrier SalamAir has made history by launching direct flights from Muscat to Damascus, becoming the first Omani airline to serve the Syrian capital. The carrier also added Erbil to its network, strengthening its presence in Iraq and pushing its total destination count past 46.
The two routes were celebrated at a ceremony at Muscat International Airport on October 22, attended by Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and Chairman of SalamAir, along with diplomatic representatives from Iraq and Syria, Oman Airports officials, and industry stakeholders.
Twice-weekly flights to Erbil commenced on October 25, while services to Damascus began on October 28. Erbil becomes SalamAir's second destination in Iraq, complementing its existing Baghdad operations. The Damascus route opens a new air link between Oman and Syria, catering to business, tourism, and family travel.
Network expansion and fleet growth
With these additions, SalamAir's network now spans more than 46 destinations, with Damascus and Erbil representing the airline's seventh and eighth new routes of 2026. The carrier has also expanded its fleet to 18 aircraft, aiming to increase capacity, serve underserved markets, and capture growing demand for affordable regional travel.
Eng. Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said the new routes reflect the airline's commitment to connecting Oman with underserved destinations while offering travellers more affordable choices. He highlighted that the expanding network and 18-aircraft fleet would help meet growing demand and create new opportunities for tourism, business, and family travel.
Haitham bin Nasser bin Said Al Tai, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, welcomed the expansion, saying the new services would strengthen air connectivity, increase passenger choice, and reinforce Muscat International Airport's role as a regional and international aviation gateway.
The new connections are expected to support inbound tourism to Oman while strengthening trade and cultural ties with Iraq and Syria. The expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Aviation Strategy 2040, which aim to enhance international connectivity and support economic diversification.
SalamAir's move comes as regional carriers increasingly look to tap into underserved markets. The airline's focus on affordability and network growth mirrors trends seen elsewhere, such as Air Astana's planned flights to Salalah, which also target growing demand in the Gulf region.
For travel professionals, the new routes open up opportunities for tour operators and agents to package Oman–Syria and Oman–Iraq itineraries, particularly for religious tourism, business travel, and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments. The expanded network also enhances connectivity for connecting passengers through Muscat, a hub that is increasingly positioning itself as a gateway between the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and East Africa.
As SalamAir continues to grow, its strategy of serving secondary cities and conflict-affected markets like Damascus could set a precedent for other low-cost carriers in the region. The airline's ability to operate efficiently with an 18-aircraft fleet while expanding into challenging markets will be closely watched by industry analysts.
