SalamAir Expands Its Network in Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Europe
Discover how SalamAir is positioning itself for growth with new routes in Saudi Arabia and Europe, focusing on cost-effective travel.
SalamAir’s International Growth Strategy
SalamAir is accelerating its international expansion, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a core growth market alongside new connections across Africa and Europe. Speaking on the airline’s evolving network strategy, Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir, outlined a disciplined, data-driven approach focused on underserved markets, operational reliability, and building Muscat into a competitive transit hub. Key Highlights:
Saudi Arabia Remains a Priority
Saudi Arabia continues to play a central role in SalamAir’s expansion, with Abha becoming the airline’s fifth destination in the Kingdom. Demand between Oman and Saudi Arabia is bolstered by tourism, religious travel, family connections, and growing economic ties.
Route Strategy Driven by Demand
SalamAir’s route selection emphasizes markets where it can stimulate new demand while enhancing Oman’s global connectivity. In selecting destinations like Abha, Nairobi, and Vienna, factors such as passenger flows, price sensitivity, and economic links are critically assessed.
Europe as the Next Growth Frontier
The initiation of direct flights to Vienna marks SalamAir’s foray into Central Europe, signaling the airline’s aspirations in this market. Strong passenger flows between Oman and Austria via connecting routes provided the confidence for launching these direct services.
Strengthening Muscat as a Hub
Muscat is gaining importance to SalamAir’s business model as a hub interlinking the GCC, Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. While approximately 60% of traffic is point-to-point, the role of transfer passengers is increasingly vital in supporting route viability and network resilience.
Future Expansion Plans
SalamAir is pursuing a disciplined fleet expansion strategy, aiming for delivery of three new aircraft in the second quarter of 2026 and setting a long-term target of 30 aircraft by 2030. New routes have already been launched, including Port Sudan, with further plans for destinations like Damascus, Vienna, Medan, and Mombasa.
