Oman Air’s point-to-point passengers soar 51% in January, fueling profitability drive

OMAN – Oman Air has reported a stunning 51% surge in point-to-point passengers for January 2026, carrying 325,000 travelers on direct flights compared to 216,000 in the same month last year.

The national carrier also saw overall passenger numbers climb 12% to 608,000, signaling strong momentum as it races toward its goal of achieving the first profitable year in company history.

Salalah Emerges as a Star Performer

The Dhofar region continues to shine brightly in Oman Air’s network.

Passengers flying to Salalah jumped an impressive 36%, from 37,332 in January 2025 to 50,717 this year.

The coastal city’s growing appeal during the khareef season and winter months has made it a magnet for both regional and international travelers.

In response to this surging demand, Oman Air recently announced a new thrice-weekly direct service between Dubai and Salalah, launching July 3, 2026 .

The airline has also increased available seats to Salalah by 20% this January compared to last year, demonstrating its commitment to supporting Dhofar’s tourism ambitions.

Transformation Strategy Delivers Results

The airline’s strategic pivot toward point-to-point traffic is paying dividends.

Chief Commercial Officer Mike Rutter told media outlets in late 2025 that the goal for 2026 is nothing less than “the first time in the company’s history that it’s ever been reported” profitable.

This focus on direct-flight passengers not only offers better revenue yields but also boosts inbound tourism, supporting Oman’s wider economic diversification under Vision 2040.

Oman Air has become the leader in point-to-point share within the Gulf, with P2P passengers increasing by over 50% since the transformation began.

The airline’s entry into the oneworld alliance in July 2025 has further strengthened its global reach, adding over 900 destination points to its network.

Recent route launches to Amsterdam and Rome, along with double-daily London Heathrow service, have expanded the carrier’s European footprint while enhancing connectivity from Oman to the Americas via London.

A New Chapter for Oman’s Aviation Story

The January performance builds on significant operational improvements.

The airline has reduced its cost of sales by shifting to a digital-first commercial policy, with direct channel sales increasing from 25% in 2024 to over 65% in 2025.

A comprehensive NPS program now gathers live feedback from thousands of guests year-round, ensuring service enhancements are guided by real passenger insights.

With fleet modernization continuing and network optimization underway, Oman Air appears firmly on course to make 2026 a historic year.

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