Muscat to Salalah: The high cost of limited flights
Published: 04:02 PM,Feb 18,2025 | EDITED : 08:02 PM,Feb 18,2025
Travellers struggle to find reasonably priced seats, with last-minute one-way fares exceeding RO 100—comparable to some international flights.
MUSCAT: Travelling between Muscat and Salalah should be straightforward and budget-friendly, especially given the route’s significance for business and leisure travellers. Yet, in recent weeks, passengers have faced soaring last-minute ticket prices and a frustrating lack of available flights. What should be a routine domestic trip has turned into an expensive and inconvenient challenge.
A DOMESTIC FLIGHT THAT COSTS A FORTUNE
The surge in complaints is impossible to ignore. Travellers struggle to find reasonably priced seats, with last-minute one-way fares exceeding RO 100—comparable to some international flights. For many, the only alternative is the grueling 10-hour drive, a choice made out of necessity rather than preference.
The ripple effects extend beyond personal inconvenience. Businesses and tourism are taking a hit, particularly in Dhofar, where the local economy relies on a steady flow of domestic visitors. High fares and limited flights discourage travel, especially outside the monsoon season (Khareef), when tourism is crucial for sustaining local businesses.
OMAN AIR’S RESPONSE: IS IT ENOUGH?
In response to growing frustration, Oman Air clarified its fixed pricing policy for Omani citizens: “The national carrier has set a fixed fare of RO 64 for a round-trip and RO 35 for a one-way ticket in economy class for Omani citizens year-round. During the Khareef season, the round-trip fare is further reduced to RO 54, in line with the government’s directives.”
This policy provides some relief for Omani travelers but does not fully address the broader issue: the limited number of flights and high fares for non-citizens, including expatriates, tourists, and business travellers.
Oman Air also highlighted its efforts to increase flight frequency, operating five daily flights to Salalah and up to 12 during peak periods. Yet, availability and pricing challenges persist, especially for last-minute travellers.
THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM: SUPPLY VS. DEMAND
Even with fixed fares for some, many travelers simply can’t find seats. Oman Air and SalamAir are the only two major carriers on this route, and flights frequently sell out, particularly during peak times. The imbalance between demand and available seats leaves late bookers with few options and inflated prices.
This isn’t just about affordability—it’s about accessibility. Business professionals needing urgent travel, tourists seeking flexibility, and expatriates commuting between Muscat and Salalah all feel the strain.
An aviation expert, speaking to the Observer, highlighted the core issue: a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand. “The problem isn’t just pricing—it’s capacity constraints. With only two carriers on this critical route, demand often exceeds supply, especially during peak seasons.”
HE OUTLINED THREE KEY STEPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE:
1. Increase Flight Frequency, Especially during Peak Times: “Adding more flights, particularly on weekends and holidays, would ease congestion and stabilize prices. Passengers are frustrated because flights sell out too quickly, leading to artificial price hikes,” he said.
2. Greater Pricing Transparency for All Travellers: “While fixed fares for Omani citizens are a positive step, inconsistent pricing for expatriates, tourists, and business travelers remains an issue. A clear, structured pricing model would prevent sudden price surges and ensure fairness for all,” the expert further noted.
3. Encourage Competition and Alternative Travel Options: “The lack of competition is a major driver of high ticket prices. Inviting more budget carriers or regional airlines to operate on this route would foster competitive pricing, benefiting consumers,” he added
Long-term solutions, such as a high-speed rail network connecting Muscat to Salalah, should also be considered. “This would revolutionize domestic travel, offering an efficient and affordable alternative to air travel. In the short term, improving luxury intercity bus services with shorter travel times and better comfort could provide immediate relief for stranded travellers.”
The expert concluded with a call for the industry to prioritize domestic connectivity. “Oman’s aviation sector has made great strides, but to fully unlock the country’s tourism and economic potential, domestic travel must be affordable, reliable, and accessible to everyone—not just those who book early or qualify for special fares.”
“The solution isn’t just cheaper tickets—it’s more flights, better alternatives, and a commitment to making travel between Muscat and Salalah a seamless experience for all.”
A DOMESTIC FLIGHT THAT COSTS A FORTUNE
The surge in complaints is impossible to ignore. Travellers struggle to find reasonably priced seats, with last-minute one-way fares exceeding RO 100—comparable to some international flights. For many, the only alternative is the grueling 10-hour drive, a choice made out of necessity rather than preference.
The ripple effects extend beyond personal inconvenience. Businesses and tourism are taking a hit, particularly in Dhofar, where the local economy relies on a steady flow of domestic visitors. High fares and limited flights discourage travel, especially outside the monsoon season (Khareef), when tourism is crucial for sustaining local businesses.
OMAN AIR’S RESPONSE: IS IT ENOUGH?
In response to growing frustration, Oman Air clarified its fixed pricing policy for Omani citizens: “The national carrier has set a fixed fare of RO 64 for a round-trip and RO 35 for a one-way ticket in economy class for Omani citizens year-round. During the Khareef season, the round-trip fare is further reduced to RO 54, in line with the government’s directives.”
This policy provides some relief for Omani travelers but does not fully address the broader issue: the limited number of flights and high fares for non-citizens, including expatriates, tourists, and business travellers.
Oman Air also highlighted its efforts to increase flight frequency, operating five daily flights to Salalah and up to 12 during peak periods. Yet, availability and pricing challenges persist, especially for last-minute travellers.
THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM: SUPPLY VS. DEMAND
Even with fixed fares for some, many travelers simply can’t find seats. Oman Air and SalamAir are the only two major carriers on this route, and flights frequently sell out, particularly during peak times. The imbalance between demand and available seats leaves late bookers with few options and inflated prices.
This isn’t just about affordability—it’s about accessibility. Business professionals needing urgent travel, tourists seeking flexibility, and expatriates commuting between Muscat and Salalah all feel the strain.
An aviation expert, speaking to the Observer, highlighted the core issue: a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand. “The problem isn’t just pricing—it’s capacity constraints. With only two carriers on this critical route, demand often exceeds supply, especially during peak seasons.”
HE OUTLINED THREE KEY STEPS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE:
1. Increase Flight Frequency, Especially during Peak Times: “Adding more flights, particularly on weekends and holidays, would ease congestion and stabilize prices. Passengers are frustrated because flights sell out too quickly, leading to artificial price hikes,” he said.
2. Greater Pricing Transparency for All Travellers: “While fixed fares for Omani citizens are a positive step, inconsistent pricing for expatriates, tourists, and business travelers remains an issue. A clear, structured pricing model would prevent sudden price surges and ensure fairness for all,” the expert further noted.
3. Encourage Competition and Alternative Travel Options: “The lack of competition is a major driver of high ticket prices. Inviting more budget carriers or regional airlines to operate on this route would foster competitive pricing, benefiting consumers,” he added
Long-term solutions, such as a high-speed rail network connecting Muscat to Salalah, should also be considered. “This would revolutionize domestic travel, offering an efficient and affordable alternative to air travel. In the short term, improving luxury intercity bus services with shorter travel times and better comfort could provide immediate relief for stranded travellers.”
The expert concluded with a call for the industry to prioritize domestic connectivity. “Oman’s aviation sector has made great strides, but to fully unlock the country’s tourism and economic potential, domestic travel must be affordable, reliable, and accessible to everyone—not just those who book early or qualify for special fares.”
“The solution isn’t just cheaper tickets—it’s more flights, better alternatives, and a commitment to making travel between Muscat and Salalah a seamless experience for all.”