UAE-Oman travel: Etihad launches first direct Abu Dhabi flights to Salalah
New route expands links to Oman’s southern coastal destination
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched its inaugural service to Salalah, opening a direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Oman's southern coastal city and adding a new destination to its growing regional network.
The new route officially commenced on 21st May with two weekly flights and will expand to five weekly services from 15th June, timed with the arrival of the popular Khareef season. During this period, Salalah's mountains and coastline transform into lush green landscapes, drawing visitors from across the Gulf and beyond.
The launch marks another step in Etihad's regional expansion strategy and introduces travellers to one of the Arabian Peninsula's most sought-after seasonal destinations. It also strengthens air links between the UAE and Oman, adding to the airline's long-standing Muscat operations, which mark 20 years this year.
Summer escape
With a flight time of under two hours, the route offers residents and travellers from Abu Dhabi a quick getaway to a destination known for its beaches, natural scenery and seasonal climate. The airline said the service will operate throughout the year, ensuring continued connectivity beyond the peak tourism months.
Salalah becomes Etihad's second destination in Oman and is expected to provide easier access for passengers travelling from the carrier's wider international network. The expanded schedule is designed to improve onward connections through Abu Dhabi for travellers arriving from Europe, Asia and India.
We’ve launched flights to Salalah today ???????? ✈️
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) May 21, 2026
⁰Under 2 hours from Abu Dhabi, with up to 5 weekly flights during Khareef. Part of our growing network - alongside new routes to Krakow, Palma and Zanzibar.
Read more: https://t.co/cN8sCDy3XD pic.twitter.com/WDpevLuvzj
The city is widely recognised for its annual Khareef season, which typically brings cooler temperatures and monsoon rains to the Dhofar region. The phenomenon turns normally arid landscapes into green valleys and mist-covered hills, making it one of the Gulf region's most distinctive seasonal attractions.
Etihad’s network
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the launch represented another milestone in the airline's growing Oman network.
"Launching services to Salalah marks an exciting new chapter in Etihad's commitment to strengthening connectivity to Oman. For 20 years now, our operations to Muscat have played an important role in connecting communities and cultures, and this new route builds on that proud history," Neves said.
He described Salalah as a destination recognised for its natural landscapes, beaches and cultural attractions, particularly during Khareef when the region becomes a major tourism draw.
"We are delighted to offer our guests easier access to this exceptional destination while continuing to support tourism growth across our network," he added.
Seasonal expansion
Salalah's launch also signals the start of Etihad's broader summer destinations programme. The airline is preparing to add a number of seasonal routes across Europe and Africa in the coming weeks.
Upcoming additions include services to Krakow from 11 June, Palma de Mallorca from 12 June and Zanzibar from 14 June. Seasonal destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Malaga, Nice and Al Alamein are also scheduled to return as part of the airline's summer network.
The additions form part of Etihad's phased expansion approach, with capacity being introduced across markets in response to travel demand and changing seasonal trends.