Aviation

SalamAir Expands Iraqi Footprint with Launch of Direct Muscat–Erbil Flights

Mohamed Imam

— 2 min read
SalamAir Expands Iraqi Footprint with Launch of Direct Muscat–Erbil Flights
SalamAir Airbus A320neo parked at Muscat International Airport preparing for departure

SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, has officially opened ticket bookings for a new direct service connecting Muscat to Erbil. Scheduled to launch on October 25, 2026, the twice-weekly service marks the airline’s second destination in Iraq following its established route to Baghdad, reinforcing air connectivity between Oman and the Kurdistan Region.

The new route will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays utilizing Airbus A320neo aircraft, with one-way Lite fares starting from OMR 54.99 ($143.06).

The historic Citadel of Erbil overlooking the city center in Northern Iraq

Driving Connectivity and Strategic Hub Growth

The introduction of direct flights between Muscat and Erbil responds to growing bilateral demand across corporate transit, leisure tourism, trade, and regional family travel. The route also provides transit passengers from Iraq with seamless access through Muscat to expanding destination networks across South Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.

"Erbil represents a strategic addition to SalamAir’s growing network and further strengthens our presence in Iraq," said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir. "Building on the success of our Baghdad operations, this new service will meet growing demand for travel between Oman and the Kurdistan Region while providing convenient connections through Muscat to destinations across the Indian Subcontinent and Asia."

The route expansion aligns with wider initiatives to increase passenger volume through Muscat International Airport and support the long-term trade and tourism goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

Under the new operational schedule, flight OV381 departs Muscat (MCT) at 13:30 and arrives in Erbil (EBL) at 15:40. The return service, flight OV382, departs Erbil at 16:25 and lands back in Muscat at 20:25. Both legs operate every Wednesday and Sunday using SalamAir’s modern Airbus A320neo fleet.

Passengers checking in at SalamAir departure counters at Muscat International Airport

Strategic Impact for Travel Stakeholders

  • Enhanced Regional Reach: Provides direct point-to-point transit between Northern Iraq and Oman.
  • Hub Connectivity: Opens onward connections across South Asia via Muscat International Airport.
  • Economic Support: Facilitates trade, cultural exchange, and business travel between the two markets.

For flight bookings and schedules, visit SalamAir. To explore local entry requirements and historical attractions, see the Erbil International Airport Portal. For regional tourism updates, visit the Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.

Read more