Oman Air will add Iraq as a new destination starting in September 2016.
The flights will operate from Oman Air’s hub in Muscat to Najaf, in Iraq with four weekly flights.
Flights to Najaf will start on September 15, 2016.This is Oman Air’s first destination in Iraq, and the carrier will operate the flights aboard Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Flights will depart Muscat International Airport at 14.30 and arrive at Najaf International Airport at 16.35. Return flights will depart Najaf International Airport at 19.50 and arrive in Muscat at 23.40 (all times quoted are local).
The launch of the new route is in response to airline's significant customer demand also demonstrates Oman Air’s commitment to continuing its ambitious network expansion programme, first unveiled in 2014. The new destination represents the addition of a new country to Oman Air’s network, opening up easy access to Oman Air’s outstanding range of choices for customers from Iraq. In addition, the service will further help to strengthen political, economic and social links between Oman and Iraq.
Following the launch of the new route, Oman Air’s network will include 51 destinations in 28 countries. It is anticipated that the network will include 75 destinations by 2020.
Oman Air’s Deputy chief executive officer and executive vice president commercial, Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said: “Oman Air is undertaking an ambitious growth programme to develop our network and ensure international connectivity. We are committed to ensuring that our customers have greater choice and the opportunity to discover new destinations with Oman Air. We are therefore delighted to be launching this exciting new services to Najaf. As our first destination in Iraq, Najaf offers excellent potential for travellers visiting friends and family, and for pilgrims.”
Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: Oman Air's foray into Iraq has been a long time coming given the fluidity of the security situation in the country.
“With Najaf being a key holy site for Shia Islam, the propensity to tap into pilgrims who travel there will bolster Oman Air's connectivity within the GCC - particularly when Najaf is a relatively new airport with limited services.”
Ahmad added: “Key for Oman Air is not just to provide services to such an important and holy city, the propensity for the carrier to look at Baghdad, Erbil and Karbala as new touchpoints will be of strategic importance as Iraq attempts to normalise it's security domestically.”
Arabian Aerospace
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