Dubai-based airline flydubai has announced the start of its new route to Salalah, expanding its presence in the Sultanate of Oman.

Flights to Salalah will begin on 21 May 2013 and operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new route expands flydubai’s GCC network to 14 destinations, underlining the carrier’s commitment to supporting business ties and leisure traffic between Dubai and the neighbouring region.

Commenting on the launch of the new route, flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, said: “Oman was flydubai’s third GCC destination, and we look forward to strengthening the relationship between the UAE and Oman by offering passengers a quality, affordable travel option.”

Salalah, located on the Indian Ocean, is the second largest city in Oman. It is well known for its natural diversity as the vast coastline blends with the rocky mountains, offering a perfect location for the outdoor enthusiast. The annual Salalah Tourism Festival, which is held between July and August, welcomes more than 1.8 million visitors from all over the world. During these months, visitors enjoy cooler climates which sets it apart from the neighbouring countries. The airline started operations to the Omani capital, Muscat, in 2010.

Round trip fares from Dubai to Salalah are expecting to start at Dhs.1,000.