Etihad Airways has launched a new direct passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Salalah in Oman, with the inaugural flight operating on May 21.
The route connects Abu Dhabi with Salalah, a coastal city in southern Oman known for its seasonal Khareef period, when the landscape turns green due to monsoon weather.
Flight schedule
The service will initially operate two flights per week and will increase to five weekly flights from June 15 to align with peak travel demand during the Khareef season.
The flight time between Abu Dhabi and Salalah is under two hours, making it a short-haul regional route aimed at leisure travellers.
Network expansion
Etihad said Salalah becomes its second destination in Oman, alongside Muscat, where the airline has operated flights for 20 years.
The airline stated that the new route is part of its broader plan to expand regional connectivity and support tourism flows across its network.
Summer destinations
The airline also highlighted Salalah as the first of several summer seasonal destinations being introduced this year.
Other planned seasonal routes include Krakow, Palma de Mallorca, Zanzibar, Santorini, Mykonos, Malaga, Nice, and Al Alamein.
“Launching services to Salalah marks an exciting new chapter in Etihad’s commitment to strengthening connectivity to Oman. For 20 years now, our operations to Muscat have played an important role in connecting communities and cultures, and this new route builds on that proud history.
“Salalah is a truly unique destination, renowned for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage, particularly during the Khareef season, when it transforms into one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most captivating holiday escapes. We are delighted to offer our guests easier access to this exceptional destination while continuing to support tourism growth across our network,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.
The airline said the expansion is aligned with its strategy to grow its network based on demand and strengthen connections between Abu Dhabi and key international markets.
