Muscat - Due to poor response, Oman Air has postponed the launch of direct flights between Salalah and Jeddah.
The service which was to start from May 2, will now begin on June 1.
Usama Karim al Haremi, head of corporate communications and media at Oman Air, said, "There were hardly any bookings for the whole summer season because unlike the Salalah-Muscat market, the Salalah-Jeddah is not a late booking market, which means people going for Umrah book their flights early and not at the last minute.
"We couldn't expect to get many last-minute bookings, that is why the launch of direct services has been postponed to June 1," he said.
Those who have already booked tickets for the direct flight will be rerouted via Muscat, Haremi said.
The direct flight from Salalah to Jeddah is an addition to the growing number of flights operating from and to the city.
H E Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism said in a statement recently that Salalah is undergoing a remarkable transformation from a seasonal destination to a year-round destination.
"Improved air services is stimulating travel demand and investment in new accommodation and services." he said.
The coming summer is expected to see the largest ever increase in air operating capability to Salalah.
Oman Air is increasing from two to four Boeing 767 services per week from Dubai to Salalah, and an additional two services from Muscat during the Khareef season.
Further, Air Arabia is increasing Airbus A320 services from three to six per week from Sharjah, while FlyDubai is commencing three Boeing 767 services per week from Dubai.
Qatar Airways will be launching four Airbus A320 services per week from Doha on May 23.
These services will deliver around an additional 2,500 seats per week to Salalah.
© Muscat Daily 2013
