The Omani government has completed its acquisition of SalamAir, taking a 90 percent stake in the low-cost carrier as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s aviation sector and build a more resilient, tourism-oriented transport ecosystem.
Under the new structure, Oman Air and SalamAir will continue to operate as separate airlines, each maintaining its own fleet, operational identity and service proposition. The government says the model is intended to improve the overall performance of the national aviation system while reducing duplication and supporting better resource allocation.
Since launching in 2017, SalamAir has expanded into a sizeable regional carrier, serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Indian subcontinent. With full government backing now in place, the airline is expected to gain greater operational stability and potentially expand routes and connectivity further.
Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the strategic roles of the two carriers are now clearly defined. Oman Air will remain focused on premium and long-haul markets, while SalamAir will continue as the country’s regional low-cost operator.
The dual-carrier structure is intended to minimise network overlap, improve fleet utilisation and reinforce the aviation sector under Oman Vision 2040. Analysts say the move could also support wider economic development by creating jobs, improving regional connectivity, increasing inbound activity and establishing a more coordinated framework across the aviation value chain.
