Russia’s Nordwind begins charter flights to Salalah

The Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) stated on Sunday that it has authorized Nordwind Airlines to operate charter flights from Moscow to Salalah beginning from Monday till the finish of March 2019.

The rains that tropical storm Luban brought in its wake to Dhofar could be a blessing as the governorate opens its doors for the winter tourism season.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Russian charter service is anticipated to bring about five,400 vacationers to Dhofar. This is in addition to thousands of other European vacationers who will fly to Salalah on unique charter flights from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland and Italy beginning this month.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Food &amp Hospitality Oman exhibition becoming held at Oman Convention &amp Exhibition Centre, H E Ahmed bin Nasser bin Hamad al Mehrzi, Minister of Tourism, stated, “The sultanate has added facilities to attract tourists such as facilitating flights between Salalah and Moscow and easing visa regulations. These services will give great impetus to attracting tourists from around the world, thereby promoting winter tourism in Dhofar. This will also help increase investments in Dhofar.”

Nordwind charter flights arriving at Salalah International Airport are organised by Moscow-primarily based tour operator Pegas Touristik. The airline will operate 3 flights a month on its B737-800, configured with 189 economy seats.

According to Pegas Touristik, the initial handful of flights to Oman are nearly sold out. “The demand is in line with our forecasts and expectations. Closer to mid-November, we expect a growth in demand, including for New Year’s dates,” Anna Podgornaya, director basic of Pegas Touristik, was quoted by Russian media.

The move by the Russian airlines is observed to money on the alter in visa specifications for Russian citizens to enter Oman. Earlier this year, Oman had eased the visa regulation for Russia, Iran and China, permitting their citizens to get tourist visas either straight on the internet or on arrival. “We hope to host 8,000 Russians by the end of the year,” a Ministry of Tourism official stated not too long ago at a tourism gathering held in Russia.

Information Source: Muscat Daily