SalamAir to begin first direct flights between Oman and Somalia in September 2026

Thursday, February 19, 2026

MOGADISHU — Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir will launch the first direct Muscat-to-Mogadishu flights on Sept. 3, 2026, establishing a new nonstop air link between the Gulf and the Horn of Africa via Aden Adde International Airport.

The airline said it will operate two weekly services between Muscat International Airport and Mogadishu, positioning the route as an affordable short-haul option for travelers across the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Somali diaspora. One-way Lite fares will start from 79.99 Omani rials ($208).

The move underscores SalamAir’s expansion into East Africa and adds Somalia as the carrier’s fourth African destination. The Muscat-based airline now serves more than 40 cities across Asia, Africa and Europe.

SalamAir released the following initial schedule (all times local):

• Thursdays: Depart Muscat 4:00 a.m., arrive Mogadishu 7:00 a.m.; return depart Mogadishu 7:45 a.m., arrive Muscat 12:55 p.m.
• Sundays: Depart Muscat 10:05 a.m., arrive Mogadishu 1:05 p.m.; return depart Mogadishu 1:50 p.m., arrive Muscat 7:00 p.m.

Mogadishu is currently served by several international airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and EgyptAir, reflecting steadily rising air traffic as Somalia’s economy rebuilds. The SalamAir link from Oman adds new point-to-point connectivity that reduces total travel time for business travelers, returning residents and family visitors who have relied on connections through other hubs.

“Somalia has seen significant economic growth and development in recent years. Our direct flights will further stimulate the economy and help create new travel and trade opportunities,” SalamAir chief executive Adrian Hamilton-Manns said in a statement, adding that the airline plans to continue growing its East Africa footprint.

For Oman, the new service aligns with Oman Vision 2040, the sultanate’s long-term development plan to deepen global connectivity and boost tourism and trade. A direct Muscat–Mogadishu route also offers potential benefits for exporters and small businesses seeking faster access to markets across the Horn of Africa and the wider Indian Ocean corridor.

For Somalia, the announcement signals continued interest from regional carriers and investors in a market that has seen gradual improvements in aviation infrastructure and demand. Added capacity from a Gulf low-cost carrier could help ease fares on popular family and seasonal travel periods, while giving Somali entrepreneurs and officials more reliable access to Gulf states for sourcing, finance and logistics.

SalamAir’s entry comes as carriers recalibrate route networks to capture underserved city pairs linking the Gulf with African capitals. By targeting Mogadishu with competitive pricing and a simple schedule, the Omani airline is betting that pent-up demand—from diaspora travel to small-scale trade—will sustain the route and support further expansion in East Africa.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.