SalamAir expanded its Stopover Program to attract more international visitors to Oman and convert connecting passengers into overnight tourists. The low-cost carrier is working with Visit Oman and coordinating with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
The initiative begins with Indonesian Umrah travelers flying from Medan to Jeddah through Muscat. Through SalamAir’s Indonesian general sales agent, PT Salam Aviasi, passengers can add a one-night stay in Oman before continuing their journey to Saudi Arabia.
The first phase targets more than 7,500 potential visitors through February 2027. SalamAir has already confirmed over 1,000 passengers for September and October, while another 6,500 travelers remain in the pipeline.
The program gives travelers a practical way to break long journeys while discovering Oman. It also positions Muscat as a competitive transit hub for religious travel between Southeast Asia and Saudi Arabia. The partners expect the program to support local businesses, create work for service providers and strengthen Oman’s small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem.
SalamAir chief executive Yaqoob bin Saif Al Kiyomi said the airline views every connection through Oman as an opportunity to showcase the country. He said the program turns transit time into a tourism experience rather than a waiting period. Visit Oman will design packages that combine accommodation, transport, tours and local experiences.
The next phase will move beyond one-night visits. SalamAir, Visit Oman and the ministry plan to offer two- and three-night stays, along with curated experiences across Oman. The aim is to make stopovers easy to book and attractive for passengers who may not have planned to visit Oman.
The partners will also promote Salalah and the wider Dhofar region to Indonesian travelers. The move could distribute tourism spending beyond Muscat and support seasonal demand in southern Oman.
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