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Budget travellers and Middle East explorers may have just received one of the best travel gifts of the year. Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir has opened ticket sales for brand-new direct flights between Muscat and Damascus, offering nonstop regional travel at surprisingly affordable prices starting in 2026. The recent move boosts connectivity and opens up an historic destination to more people than ever before.
Direct flights launch with minimal fares
Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, boasts a mosaic of history, architecture and culture, from the Umayyad Mosque to the bustling old souks. Direct flights now eliminate long layovers or multiple connections, making it easier and quicker for tourists, students, professionals or people travelling for personal reasons to reach the Syrian capital straight from Oman’s main aviation hub.Tickets for SalamAir’s Muscat–Damascus route are now on sale, with prices beginning from around OMR 59.99 (~USD 155) for a one-way Lite fare, giving travellers a cost-effective alternative to indirect connections that often take much longer.
You Can Now Fly Direct from Muscat to Damascus for Just OMR 59: Here’s What to Know Before Booking
The first flights on this route are scheduled to begin May 2, 2026 and will operate twice weekly, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it ideal for weekend getaways, cultural exploration or travel to visit family. Beyond cost and convenience, SalamAir’s route reflects growing demand for affordable regional air travel, particularly for routes that serve large expatriate communities and strengthen socio-economic links between the Gulf and neighbouring regions.
Travel tips and practical details
- Fares and booking: One-way fares start at about OMR 59.99 (~USD 155) on SalamAir, though return fares will vary depending on season and demand. For cheapest months or alternative pricing, third-party flight sites show indirect or mixed carrier options starting around $131 one-way in early 2026, which travellers may use for comparison.
- Schedule: The new twice-weekly service gives flexibility while keeping frequency manageable for new long-haul regional routes.
- Connecting travel: If Muscat does not work for your travel dates, alternative flights with stopovers via carriers like Air Arabia or flydubai are sometimes available, though they may be longer and more expensive.
- Booking tips: Be sure to compare direct SalamAir fares with third-party flight aggregator prices as deals sometimes shift based on promotions and seat availability. Early booking typically yields the best prices, especially for popular travel months such as spring or early summer.
SalamAir’s growing regional network
The Muscat–Damascus route adds to a rapid expansion of SalamAir’s network, which includes recent and upcoming direct links to destinations like Port Sudan and Medan for 2026. All are part of a strategy to boost Oman’s position as a regional travel hub.
Weekend Getaway or Cultural Escape? SalamAir’s New Route Makes Damascus More Accessible
By carving out low-cost, direct travel corridors, the airline is tapping into rising demand for affordable connectivity across the Middle East and beyond. This way, travellers stand to benefit from unprecedented access to historical, cultural and business centres that were previously harder to reach without long flights or costly fares.
