The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Oman is set to issue temporary permits aimed at reducing airfares on domestic routes, including Muscat-Salalah and Suhar-Salalah, during the peak winter and summer tourist seasons. This initiative aims to promote greater competition and lower airfares, making travel more affordable for both tourists and residents during high-demand periods.

Proposals are invited from national and international airlines, charter operators, and leasing companies to undertake domestic air services between July 1 and August 31, as well as December 1 and January 31. The goal is to increase air transport capacity to accommodate the surge in demand during peak seasons.

In line with this, candidates must hold a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and demonstrate operational experience, financial stability, and compliance with Oman’s safety standards. They must also ensure adequate insurance coverage.

The aircraft deployed should accommodate between 100 to 200 passengers, ensuring alignment with both demand and airport capacity. Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2025, and a thorough evaluation will consider the operators’ capabilities and historical performance.

The Authority insists on regular audits to maintain standards of service reliability and transparency in pricing. In 2023, both Oman Air and SalamAir began a fixed-fare policy to promote local tourism, particularly during the Khareef season, when ticket fares for citizens ranged around RO54.

Eligible operators should help address the high fare concerns on the Salalah-Muscat route, as many passengers have previously opted for road travel to save costs, despite the potential dangers on the lengthy drive.