Friday 15 / November / 2024
Muscat: Salalah Airport welcomed more than 284,000 Khareef visitors from 15th June to 15th August, according to the latest visitor data published by the National Center for Statistical Information (NCSI).
The statistical centre reported that of the 529,000 people who visited the region during the Khareef season, 93,000 arrived at Salalah Airport, travelling on 2,263 local and international flights.
Salim bin Awadh Al Yafaei, Salalah Airport General Manager, noted that the terminal experienced an unprecedented number of passengers and put measures in place to accommodate the high number of arriving visitors.
“Despite the large numbers, the airport staff welcomed travellers with the highest levels of professionalism, ensuring smooth and efficient immigration, customs and baggage procedures. Overall, passengers to Salalah Airport experienced short waiting times, which is clear evidence of the professionalism and readiness of the airport staff, despite the airport only becoming operational in June 2015,” said Al Yafaei.
Further, Salalah Airport’s Operations Manager, Ali BakhetFadhel, noted, “In a high pressure environment, professional and responsive airport staff are key to ensuring that procedures and protocols are followed smoothly, and thus preventing any delays for passengers. Our staff conducted their work according to the highest international standards, welcoming thousands of passengers each day and ensuring their experience at the airport is as pleasant and brief as possible.”
Speaking about his experience at Salalah Airport, Hisham Abdulmajeed from UAE said, “I travel regularly for work, and often with my family, so I understand that sometimes there are delays at immigration and baggage counters after flights. When I travelled to Salalah, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the speed and professionalism of the airport staff to ensure all passengers procedures were completed quickly so visitors can make the most of the beauty Salalah has to offer.”
Also, a regular traveller to Salalah, Omani national Mohamed Al Hadhrami, commented, “The Khareef season is a permanent fixture in my yearly travel schedule, and I visit Salalah every year at this time. Because of the distance involved, I prefer to travel by plane, rather than by car. When I arrived this year, I was astounded by the friendly reception and personal service provided by the airport staff. I would like to thank the airport management for their efforts in delivering professional and friendly services, which are fantastic, considering the large footfall during this season.”
Gateway to the Dhofar region, Salalah Airport began operating in June 2015 as Oman’s second major passenger airport. Spanning over 65,000 sqm and inspired by traditional Omani architecture, the airport houses 28 counters and self-service booths, eight airline bridges, multiple retail stores and restaurants, a VIP lounge and a car park with as many as 1,957 parking spaces. The airport has a current capacity of 2 million passengers each year,with future expansions planned to cater to up to 6 million passengers annually.
