Direct flights between Muscat and Taif via Oman Air: schedule and details
In a move to boost air traffic and connect tourist destinations in the region, Airports Group II , the operator and manager of 22 airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including Taif International Airport , announced the launch of direct flights between Muscat, the capital of Oman, and Taif. This new route will be operated by Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman , starting January 31, 2026.
This step comes in response to the increasing demand for travel between the two brotherly countries, as it was decided to operate flights at a rate of three flights per week, providing flexible options for travelers whether for tourism, work, or religious visitation purposes.
Enhancing air connectivity and the goals of Vision 2030
The launch of this direct route comes within the framework of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to solidify the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents. This expansion also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 , which seeks to increase the number of international destinations and raise the capacity of Saudi airports to accommodate 330 million passengers by 2030.
The collaboration with Oman Air reflects the commitment of “Airports Cluster II” to building strategic partnerships with major global and regional airlines, with the aim of improving the passenger experience and expanding the network of international flights departing from domestic and international airports in the Kingdom.
Taif: An important tourist and religious gateway
This air route is of particular importance given the strategic and touristic significance of Taif Governorate. From a tourism perspective, Taif is considered the "Bride of Summer Resorts" and a favorite destination for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, thanks to its mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and the Taif Rose Festival. From a religious perspective, Taif International Airport serves as a vital gateway for pilgrims to the Holy Mosque in Mecca, facilitating their access to Mecca, which is a short distance from the airport, for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims arriving from the Sultanate of Oman.
Record growth in airport clusters
In a related development reflecting the success of the operational plans of the "Second Airports Cluster," the cluster revealed positive figures regarding the performance of Qurayyat Airport . The airport achieved remarkable growth in operational traffic during 2025, exceeding 327,000 passengers by last November.
The number of flights at Qurayyat Airport reached approximately 2,950, marking a growth rate of 27.7% compared to the previous year, 2024. These figures underscore the efficiency of the facilities and services provided at the airport, which spans an area exceeding 921,000 square meters, and the ongoing efforts of the group to develop airport infrastructure to provide the best possible services to passengers.
