Chattogram:SalamAir is set to inaugurate its new direct flight service from Chattogram to Salalah in southern Oman. The first flight is scheduled to depart from Shah Amanat International Airport on October 28.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the service will initially operate twice a week, with the possibility of increasing the frequency if there is sufficient passenger demand. This new route is particularly beneficial for the many Bangladeshi expatriates residing in Salalah, who work in various sectors such as construction, agriculture, and fisheries.
Previously, travelers needed to transit through Muscat, adding time and cost to their journeys. With the new direct service, passengers from regions like Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Noakhali can avoid the lengthy layovers in Dhaka and Muscat. SalamAir aims to cater to these workers by making Salalah a new hub, with future plans to expand services to Jeddah, Kozhikode, and Chattogram.
Shahnaz Alam, SalamAir's Airport Services Manager at Chattogram, stated that SalamAir previously operated 14 flights weekly on the Chattogram-Oman route. With the new service, two flights will head to Salalah, while the remaining 12 will continue to Muscat, all using Airbus A321 aircraft.
The direct flight significantly reduces travel time to approximately five to five and a half hours, compared to the previous 10 to 12 hours with a transit. Rizwanul Islam, SalamAir's Chattogram manager, mentioned that flights would depart every Wednesday at 1055 pm, with a total travel time of 6 hours and 20 minutes on a 180-seat aircraft.
Ticket prices start at Taka 39,294 BDT, including a five-kilogram cabin baggage allowance. Additional packages are available, offering increased checked baggage options.