The first direct SalamAir flight to Erbil International Airport arrived on October 25, marking the airline’s second destination in Iraq, alongside its existing flights to Baghdad. This step reflects the airline’s continued efforts to expand its regional and international network.

The aircraft received an official welcome upon arrival at Erbil International Airport, attended by officials from both countries.

Engineer Yaqoob bin Saif bin Hamoud Al Kiyumi, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said that Erbil is the airline’s second destination in Iraq after Baghdad. He added that this reflects the airline’s commitment to serving a wider range of travellers and providing convenient travel options by establishing direct routes between Oman and promising markets across the Arab world and beyond.

Eng. Al Kiyumi added that SalamAir’s strategy for expanding its destination network is based on in-depth studies of opportunities in markets and destinations under consideration.

He noted that the Erbil route strengthens direct connectivity between Muscat in Oman and Erbil in northern Iraq, opening up new opportunities between the two countries in investment, trade and tourism.

For his part, Ahmed Hoshyar, Director of Erbil International Airport, said in a statement to the Oman News Agency: “We welcome the launch of SalamAir’s first direct flights to Erbil, connecting two ancient civilisations and countries with longstanding cultural and social ties.”

He added that these flights would help expand commercial, economic and social exchanges. He also welcomed Omani travellers to visit Erbil, explore its tourist attractions and discover what the city has to offer.

He noted that the launch of a regular direct air service from Muscat to Erbil at competitive fares would facilitate tourism between the two countries, stimulate trade, make it easier for businesspeople to travel and enable visits between families and friends. It would also strengthen cultural and civilisational ties between the two brotherly peoples in a safe environment.

Waheed bin Ibrahim Al Balushi, Regional Director of International Sales at SalamAir, said that Erbil, with its diverse natural landscapes, offers a wide range of attractions for tourists and caters to different groups, including young travellers and families.

He added that obtaining an entry visa for Omanis visiting Erbil is straightforward, as travellers can obtain one directly upon arrival at the airport. He noted that launching this route also presents an opportunity to promote Oman’s tourism and other attractions in Iraq, helping to boost investment and economic diversification.

In addition to its tourism attractions, Erbil is a commercial and economic hub in the region. It has a range of hotels, service facilities, markets and business centres, offering promising opportunities to develop business and conference tourism.

SalamAir operates this route twice a week, providing travellers with a convenient direct connection between Muscat and Erbil.