Salalah’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination has received a significant boost with the launch of scheduled flights from Zurich, Switzerland. The inaugural flight, operated by Swiss airline Edelweiss, landed at Salalah Airport on Tuesday, carrying a delegation of tour operators, select passengers and dignitaries.
Edelweiss, a premium leisure carrier, has expanded its operations in Oman by introducing Salalah as a new destination, complementing its existing flights to Muscat.
The airline will operate bi-weekly flights on this route until May, with services resuming again in September. The inbound flight from Zurich includes a stop in Muscat, while the return journey to Zurich is non-stop, offering a seamless travel experience for Swiss and European holidaymakers eager to explore Oman.
To further promote Salalah as a key tourist destination, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with Edelweiss, organised a B2B meeting on Thursday. This event brought together Swiss and Omani tour operators, travel agents, hospitality executives and local guides to enhance their understanding of Salalah’s unique tourism offerings.
Oliver Lenz, Senior Manager of Network Planning & Development at Edelweiss, emphasised the airline’s commitment to promoting Oman as a premium leisure destination.
“Our flights from Salalah are also available for passengers travelling to Europe and beyond. We brought 10 leading Swiss tour operators on the inaugural flight, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has arranged a FAM trip to showcase the region’s attractions,” Lenz stated.
Oman Airports has been actively working to expand international connectivity, according to Hamoud bin Musabah al Alawi, Acting CEO of Oman Airports. “We continue to strengthen partnerships with global airlines to enhance operations in Muscat and Salalah, both of which are key travel hubs,” he noted.
Marwan al Ghassani, Director of the Promotion Department at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Dhofar, described the new flights as a milestone for Salalah.
“The increasing number of high-end tourists choosing Salalah underscores its global appeal. Visitors are captivated by the governorate’s diverse landscapes, from the sea and mountains to the desert and lush vegetation, all within a short radius,” he said.
He further assured Edelweiss and its tour operators of top-tier facilities and services in Salalah, reinforcing the city’s position as an emerging luxury travel destination.
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