Oman’s low-cost carrier SalamAir is launching direct flights between Muscat and Port Sudan, becoming the first airline from the Gulf Cooperation Council to operate a non-stop service to Sudan. The new route begins on 27 January 2026 and will run 3 times a week, expanding air links between the Sultanate of Oman and Northeast Africa.
The Muscat–Port Sudan service will operate every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, with one-way Lite fares starting from OMR 79.99. Tickets are now on sale via the SalamAir website and mobile app, and the flights will be operated using Airbus A320neo aircraft.
A new low-cost link between Oman and Northeast Africa
The launch marks a significant expansion of SalamAir’s regional network across the Middle East and Africa. With Port Sudan added to its route map, the airline strengthens Oman’s air connectivity with a strategically important Red Sea destination that serves as Sudan’s main seaport and commercial gateway.
Port Sudan plays a central role in trade and logistics for the country, and its position on the Red Sea places it close to major regional shipping lanes. The new air link is expected to support growing economic activity while providing more affordable and direct travel options for passengers moving between the Gulf and Africa.
The route is also designed to serve the large Sudanese community living in Oman, which is the second-largest Arab expatriate community in the Sultanate. By offering direct flights, SalamAir aims to reduce travel times and reliance on indirect connections via other regional hubs.
Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer of SalamAir, described the route as a milestone for the airline’s growth strategy. “The launch of Port Sudan marks a strategic milestone in SalamAir’s continued network expansion and underscores our role as a pioneer in regional connectivity,” said Steven Allen.
Connecting passengers, trade and regional markets
Allen said the new service would improve access between Oman and Northeast Africa while also supporting business travel. “The introduction of a direct air link between Muscat and Port Sudan enhances access between Oman and Northeast Africa, offering greater convenience for business and trade,” he said.
He added that the route has been scheduled to support onward connections across SalamAir’s wider network. “In addition, the route enables seamless onward connectivity for passengers traveling to key regional markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar,” Allen said.
Flights have been timed to allow connections through Muscat to other destinations served by SalamAir, reinforcing the airline’s role as a low-cost connector across the Gulf region. The use of the Airbus A320neo fleet is intended to provide fuel efficiency and passenger comfort while keeping fares competitive.
The Port Sudan launch aligns with Oman’s broader aviation and economic development goals under Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises improved connectivity, trade links and sustainable long-term growth. For SalamAir, the new destination represents another step in expanding its footprint beyond traditional leisure routes.
As demand grows for affordable travel between the Gulf and Africa, the Muscat–Port Sudan route highlights how low-cost carriers are increasingly shaping regional travel patterns. For passengers, it opens up a new direct option to the Red Sea coast, while for Oman, it reinforces Muscat’s role as an emerging gateway between the Middle East and Africa.
