Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir will launch a twice-weekly service between Muscat and Erbil from October 25, 2026, its second Iraqi destination after Baghdad, the airline said.
The route deepens SalamAir’s presence in Iraq and supports Muscat’s ambitions as a regional connecting hub, part of a broader tourism and economic push under Oman Vision 2040, the sultanate’s strategy to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbons. Ticket sales for the direct service are now open, with Lite fares starting from OMR54.99 ($143) one-way.
“Erbil represents a strategic addition to SalamAir’s growing network and further strengthens our presence in Iraq,” said Steven Allen, chief commercial officer of SalamAir. He said Iraq was an important market for the airline, which remained committed to pursuing high-potential, underserved routes that stimulate passenger demand and reinforce Muscat’s role as a connecting hub in support of Oman Vision 2040.
Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdistan region, has become one of the country’s more accessible gateways for business and leisure travel. SalamAir said the route would serve growing demand for tourism, business, trade and family travel, while offering onward connectivity through Muscat to destinations across the Indian subcontinent and Asia.
The expansion continues a busy period of network growth for the carrier, which serves more than 40 destinations from its Muscat base and has been building out connectivity to India and the wider region. It also comes as SalamAir’s ownership is in focus, with the Omani government reported earlier this year to be weighing a purchase of the airline as part of a national aviation strategy aimed at drawing private investment into the sector.