Muscat: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) began providing direct flights from Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore to Salalah as the first flight landed last Thursday, said Oman airport authorities.
The twice-weekly service will be operated with an Airbus A320, accommodating 150 passengers in economy class and 8 passengers in first class.
“We are pleased to welcome the first direct flight connecting Salalah with Lahore in Pakistan. This step enhances the presence of the airport internationally, and makes travel convenient for the 70,000 Pakistani residents in Salalah. Additionally, it contributes in boosting tourism in the area by providing direct access to Salalah for visitors from Pakistan, without the need to stop at Muscat,” noted Salim bin Awadh Al Yafei, General Manager of Salalah Airport.
Thursday flights will depart from Allama Iqbal International Airport at 12:30, and land at Salalah Airport at 15:30.
The departure time from Salalah Airport will be at 16:30 and land at Lahore at 21:00. Additionally, the Sunday flight will depart from Lahore at 21:15, and land at Salalah Airport at 00:15.
The departure time from Salalah Airport will be at 01:15, and the flight will land in Pakistan at 5:45.
Shahzad M. Paracha, Country Manager PIA, said they are pleased to launch direct Lahore-Salalah flights.
“This will serve Pakistani nationals working in Salalah, who previously had to travel first to Muscat then on to Pakistan.
“We will operate two direct flights weekly, and we take this opportunity to thank the Salalah Airport management and staff, as well as OAMC, for their efforts and the high professionalism they showed as they welcomed our first direct flight,” the
official added.