International flights from Sohar soon

Muscat: Sohar airport will become the third hub for international airlines in Oman as Air Arabia and Qatar Airways plan to start direct services from Sohar, according to the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA).
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PACA said it has issued approval for Sharjah-based low cost airline, Air Arabia to fly directly from Sharjah to Sohar thrice a week. “Then Doha-based, Qatar Airways has also shown interest in (operating) international flights to Sohar Airport soon,” a tweet from PACA said.
PACA will announce dates for the start international flights soon.
Meanwhile SalamAir, Oman’s first budget airline, said it will be flying thrice a week from Salalah to Sohar from June 28, while also increasing services to Muscat to 31 times a week.
The fares from Sohar are available for OMR24 for a return trip with SalamAir. “SalamAir is excited to introduce new services to Taif and Sohar during the busy summer period and offer guests an affordable quality option as they make their travel plans,” said François Bouteiller, SalamAir’s chief executive officer.
“Central to our seasonal schedule are our Muscat and Sohar flights to Salalah, which will provide much needed connectivity and capacity to meet the rising number of people wishing to experience the Khareef (monsoon) season and enjoy the cooler temperatures of Dhofar Governorate.”
Residents of Sohar also welcomed the move, saying it will boost travel and trade opportunities. “We know that Muscat and Sohar route is not feasible, but we believe that a lot of routes were feasible,” Mohammed Balushi, a Sohar resident said.
He said this will serve residents in Al Batinah North and South, Musandam, Al Dhahira and Buraimi as they have to travel a huge distance.
“It will be a great help to people living in these areas as they have to cover more than 1,000 kilometres of distance on road when they want to visit Salalah,” he added.
Sohar airport was opened by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, minister of Transport and Communications, as part of 44th National Day celebrations in November 2014, and Oman Air operated an inaugural flight to mark the official opening.