Winter charter flights bring European tourists

MUSCAT, Oct 18
Salalah Airport on Saturday received the first charter flight directly from Hungary, carrying 182 tourists, coinciding with the resumption of the winter tourism flight programme to Dhofar Governorate.
According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, the development is part of efforts to strengthen direct air connectivity with international markets and leverage Dhofar’s distinctive natural and historical attractions to attract more visitors during the winter tourism season.
Last week, Salalah Airport received its first charter flight from Slovakia, carrying 150 tourists.
Salalah offers a striking contrast between its winter season, which runs from November to February or March, and the famous Khareef season. While the monsoon brings mist and lush greenery from June to September, winter offers warm, dry weather and clear skies, making the destination an attractive winter escape for visitors from colder European countries.
Ali al Balushi, operations manager at Al Fawaz Tours, said winter was an ideal time to visit Salalah, particularly for European tourists.
“We have sun and sea. Our winter guests enjoy it,” he said.
Al Balushi has been conducting camping tours in the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) since early October. Winter is considered the best time for desert safaris, as cooler temperatures make camping and dune-bashing more comfortable.
“The Rub Al Khali becomes extremely hot during summer, but it gets better by October, and during winter it becomes pleasant. Now it is around 35 degrees Celsius, and by night it is cooler. Most people like to watch the sunset over the sand dunes. Some people like to stay over and watch the sunrise,” he said.
With the summer monsoon over, clearer skies and lower humidity open up opportunities to explore Dhofar’s beaches, mountains and natural landscapes. The sea is generally calmer, while high-altitude destinations such as Jabal Samhan offer cooler temperatures at night.
Compared with the busy khareef season, winter is generally quieter, with less traffic and a more relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty alongside its heritage and cultural experiences.
Among the popular coastal attractions are Al Mughsail Beach and Marneef Cave. Although the blowholes at Marneef Cave are less active during winter, the calmer sea makes the season suitable for swimming and beach picnics, subject to local sea conditions.
Fazayah Beach, accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, is another attraction, while Wadi Darbat, Ayn Razat and Ayn Athum offer opportunities to explore Dhofar’s natural scenery.
Jabal Samhan is particularly appealing during winter, when clear skies provide panoramic views and spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas.
“We take tourists on day trips to Jabal Samhan. There are tourists who specifically come to watch the sunrise from Jabal Samhan and others who like to perform yoga and meditation. We make our tea there, and the visitors enjoy it while they watch the sun rise,” Al Balushi said.
Dhofar’s archaeological and cultural heritage is another major draw. Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, located in Salalah, offer insights into the region’s historic role in the frankincense trade and Oman’s maritime heritage.
Further east, the ruins of Sumhuram, also known as Khor Rori, overlook a lagoon that attracts migratory birds, including flamingos. Inland, visitors can explore Wubar, another significant site associated with the historic frankincense trade routes.
Dhofar is internationally renowned for its frankincense, and visitors can explore traditional souks to purchase the aromatic resin and locally produced perfumes.
Boat excursions from Mirbat for dolphin watching have also gained popularity. Seasonal sightings of humpback whales along the eastern coastline add to the region’s marine attractions.
Dhofar’s coastal lagoons provide habitats for migratory birds throughout the winter months, making the region an appealing destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.