SALALAH: Dhofar will add aerial sightseeing to its tourism offering in early September, with a four-day helicopter programme covering some of the governorate’s main coastal, mountain and heritage attractions as the Khareef season begins to give way to Al Sarb.
The programme, scheduled from September 3 to 6, will offer 15-minute and 30-minute flights over locations including Al Haffa, Salalah Port, Atin Plain, Ain Jarziz, Taqah, Samharam and Wadi Darbat.
The initiative adds a different type of visitor experience at a point when Dhofar’s tourism activity traditionally begins to shift away from the peak Khareef period.
The 15-minute western route is planned to pass over Al Haffa Beach towards Salalah Port, Khor Waterfall, Atin Plain and Ain Jarziz. A longer 30-minute route extends eastwards to Taqah and the archaeological site of Samharam before passing Wadi Darbat, Ain Sahalnoot and Ain Jarziz.
Shared flights are priced at RO 42 per passenger for the shorter route and RO 85 for the 30-minute journey. Private charters accommodating up to eight passengers are priced at RO 250 and RO 500 respectively.
The limited programme is being operated by Al Sharqiya Aviation in partnership with Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, which will serve as the departure and arrival point. The announcement does not indicate whether the service will continue beyond the four-day period or develop into a permanent tourism product.
Its timing, however, gives the initiative a wider tourism context. Early September marks the transition from Khareef towards Al Sarb, when much of the greenery remains while cloud and mist conditions begin to ease, potentially extending the period in which visitors can experience Dhofar’s seasonal landscape.
The flights will remain subject to weather, aviation regulations, operational clearance and passenger availability, according to the organisers. Routes and durations may also change depending on operating conditions.
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