Monday 18 / November / 2024
Muscat: SalamAir, Oman’s first budget airline, launched its first bi-weekly flights to Shiraz in Iran on Wednesday.
The flights will take off every Sunday and Wednesday at 12:50 pm from Muscat, arriving in Shiraz at 1:50 pm. The return flights will depart from Shiraz at 2:55 pm, arriving in Muscat at 4:40 pm.
Talking to the Times of Oman on the occasion, Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, said he was excited to fly the first plane to Shiraz himself. “It’s very exciting to be flying to such a great destination, Shiraz. It is a great addition to our already existing destinations. In fact, Shiraz has been added after receiving a lot of requests,” he said.
“The airline is also planning to expand its route to other countries in the future,” he added.
Meanwhile, Badiee Fard, Managing Director of Fars Airport Iran, along with other dignitaries, welcomed the first fully booked flight from Muscat to Shiraz.
“I am delighted to welcome the first flight to Shiraz because there had been a big demand and need for it. A lot of people from both countries travel for medical and tourism purposes. We promise to provide our support and services to facilitate all sorts of cooperation between the two sister countries,” Fard said. Seyyed Moayed Mohsennezhad, Deputy of Fars Culture Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation Iran, said the launch of direct flights from Muscat to Shiraz was not only going to boost ties between the Sultanate and Iran but would also act as a peace agent.
“The launch of SalamAir’s flights marks a global message to all Islamic states and will hopefully be a bridge between the two states,” Mohsennezhad said.
Furthermore, talking to the Times of Oman, Sultan Rasheed Al Qatabi, Deputy Head of Delegation at the Embassy of Oman in Iran, said he couldn’t be happier with the launch of direct flights back and forth to his motherland.
“SalamAir has taken a great initiative by catering to the needs of people living in both nations through the launch of its weekly direct flights. This indeed is going to be extremely fruitful for frequent travellers, such as businessmen, who intend to expand their business, as well as people seeking medical treatment in either of the countries,” he said.
A passenger on the flight, Khalfan Al Touqi, who travelled for the first time to Shiraz, thoroughly enjoyed his round-trip and was already looking at dates to book a flight to Shiraz in March.
“A traveller is usually looking for two things while planning a trip: a cheap yet comfortable flight and a beautiful destination. Thankfully, SalamAir is offering both,” he said.
Return tickets can be booked at a minimum price of OMR80.
A homegrown airline, SalamAir, is continuously looking for ways to connect more cities to Oman. The airline is also planning to add more A320 aircraft to its fleet, to meet the need of its expanding network of destinations.
