Muscat – With the arrival of khareef, Dhofar has turned into a lush green oasis, offering a refreshing escape for GCC tourists from the scorching summer heat. Last year, over 1mn visitors flocked to the governorate, drawn by its unique charm and favourable weather.

However, the excitement of khareef is marred by soaring airfares, leaving many potential visitors in Muscat frustrated. Despite the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology’s appeal to airlines to keep fares reasonable, travellers say prices of the two national airlines – Oman Air and SalamAir – have significantly increased. Ticket prices are a major dete-rrent for tourists hoping to visit Salalah during the peak season.

Muscat resident Salem Mohammod expressed his disappointment saying, “I wanted to take my family for a weekend visit to Salalah, but I was quoted ticket prices of over RO70 per head. For a family of five, it’s just not affordable.” 

His disappointment is shared by many who feel that the focus during khareef should not solely be profits.

Iqbal Mansoor Khan is dismayed by the high ticket prices. “While the demand for flights to Salalah remains high, the high airfares risk discouraging tourists from visiting.” 

He noted that this could have a long-term impact on Dhofar’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on the influx of visitors during khareef. “Authorities must find a balance between the economy and accessibility, ensuring that khareef continues to be for everyone.”

Mohammad Sharif, Managing Director of Pink Stone Travel and Tourism, said, “There is huge demand for Salalah this time of the year, continuing till August. This is the perfect time for businesses, as Salalah remains quiet the rest of the year. In the last few days, I have received close to 200 queries from groups ranging from eight to 20 travellers, but they back out because of high airfares.”

According to an official at Global Travel Company, the high ticket prices are a result of demand and supply. “This is the only time of the year when airlines flying this sector, travel agents and hotels can make a substantial profit. It’s a short season and everyone tries to capitalise on it.”

The travel agencies informed that Muscat-Salalah return fares are about RO120 for SalamAir and RO165 for Oman Air. The same tickets cost from RO65 to RO70 offseason. 

Earlier this year, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology fixed economy class return airfares on the Muscat-Salalah route for citizens at R064; RO35 one way throughout the year. For khareef, return fare was fixed at RO54.