UAE travellers have more direct routes to Salalah for Khareef 2026, with Oman Air and Etihad Airways launching new services from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your monsoon escape to Salalah, including schedules, fares, and visa rules.
What’s New for Khareef 2026
The UAE-Salalah air bridge gets a major boost this Khareef. Two new direct services join flydubai, which already runs the route year-round.
Etihad launches its first-ever Abu Dhabi to Salalah flights on 21 May 2026, with the seasonal service running until 15 September. Oman Air follows with a brand-new Dubai-Salalah link from 3 July 2026, operating year-round.
Together, the three carriers offer UAE travellers the widest direct schedule yet for the green season.
flydubai’s exact Khareef 2026 timings shift seasonally. Check live schedules on the flydubai website or via the Wego flight tracker.
Quick Comparison: UAE-Salalah Direct Carriers
| Airline | Route | Frequency | Operates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oman Air | Dubai (DXB) to Salalah (SLL) | 3 weekly | From 3 July 2026, year-round |
| Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Salalah (SLL) | 2 weekly, then daily from 15 June | 21 May to 15 September 2026 |
| flydubai | Dubai (DXB) to Salalah (SLL) | Up to daily | Year-round |
Oman Air’s Expanded Dubai to Salalah Service
Oman Air’s new Dubai-Salalah route launches on 3 July 2026, timed to the start of Khareef. The national carrier will fly the route three times a week, year-round.
According to Oman Air, bookings opened on 16 February 2026. Flight time between Dubai and Salalah is under two hours, with no Muscat layover.
Exact departure times to be confirmed. Check the Oman Air website or live timings on the Wego flight tracker.
Capacity Boost to Salalah
Oman Air lifted overall seat capacity to Salalah by 20 percent in January 2026 compared with the previous year, and by 15 percent during the autumn 2025 peak. Fares on the new Dubai-Salalah service are dynamic. Check live pricing on the Oman Air website.
Note: Oman Air’s fixed national fares of OMR 54 (Khareef) and OMR 64 (rest of year) apply only to the Muscat-Salalah domestic route for Omani nationals booking through Oman Air’s website or app, and do not apply to the Dubai-Salalah service.
Etihad’s New Abu Dhabi to Salalah Route
Etihad Airways debuts its first direct Abu Dhabi-Salalah service on 21 May 2026, running through 15 September.
From launch until 15 June, flights operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. From 15 June, the service goes daily through the peak Khareef weeks. Tickets are on sale at etihad.com.
Etihad Salalah Flight Schedule
| Flight | Departs | Arrives | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| EY 687 | Abu Dhabi 08:30 | Salalah 10:10 | A320 |
| EY 688 | Salalah 11:05 | Abu Dhabi 12:50 | A320 |
All times are local. The hop takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes each way.
Booking Tips
- Compare fares across Oman Air, Etihad, and flydubai using Wego flights to Salalah.
- Book hotels early. Mid-July to mid-August fills up first.
- If schedule matters more than price, Etihad’s daily service from 15 June offers the most flexibility.
- For weekend trips from Dubai, flydubai’s frequency makes it the easiest fit.
Find hotels in Salalah and check live status on the Wego flight tracker before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airlines fly direct from the UAE to Salalah for Khareef 2026?
Three carriers offer direct flights: Oman Air (Dubai-Salalah, from 3 July, 3 weekly), Etihad (Abu Dhabi-Salalah, 21 May to 15 September), and flydubai (Dubai-Salalah, year-round).
When does the Khareef season start in 2026?
The Khareef season officially runs from 21 June to 20 September 2026. The greenest, mistiest weeks fall between mid-July and mid-August.
How much is the Oman visa for UAE residents?
The GCC Resident eVisa (Type 29A) costs OMR 5 (around AED 48) and is valid for 28 days. The standard 30-day unsponsored tourist eVisa costs OMR 20 (around AED 190).
How long is the flight from Dubai to Salalah?
Direct flights take roughly 1 hour 55 minutes. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Salalah service is similar at around 1 hour 40 minutes.
What are Oman Air’s fares on the new Dubai-Salalah route?
Fares on the new Dubai-Salalah service are dynamic and vary by date and demand. Oman Air’s well-known fixed fares of OMR 54 (Khareef) and OMR 64 (rest of year) apply only to the Muscat-Salalah domestic route for Omani nationals. Check live pricing on the Oman Air website.
Sources
- Etihad Airways: New Routes to Krakow and Salalah
- Oman Air: Flights to Salalah
- Khaleej Times: Oman Air Dubai-Salalah Khareef 2026
- Royal Oman Police eVisa Portal
- flydubai: Dubai to Salalah
- Oman Observer: Fixed Airfare Model for Salalah
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
