Oman Air launches new flight from Manchester

Oman Air is launching a new daily flight from Manchester to Muscat as part of the airline’s ambitious programme of fleet and network expansion.

The daily service launches on 1 May 2017 and will be operated by a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner. The service to the carrier’s hub airport will be in addition to the double daily flight from London Heathrow, making Manchester the only UK airport outside London to have direct flights to Muscat.

Simon Cook, country manager UK & Ireland at Oman Air said: “This is an incredibly exciting expansion in the UK, allowing British travellers to enjoy the convenience of flying direct from the north of England to Muscat and also the opportunity to connect with Oman Air’s global network.

“It demonstrates our commitment to developing Oman Air’s global network and in particular catering for the growing demand from the UK for our award winning product and inflight service.”

‘Key service’

Stephen Turner, Manchester Airport’s commercial director, said: “We’re pleased that Oman Air is announcing a daily service to Muscat for summer 2017. Once again, Manchester Airport will be the only UK airport outside of London able to offer a key long haul service.

“We’re sure the 22 million people in our catchment area will be impressed by Oman Air’s fantastic on-board product and will take advantage of the direct route to Oman as well as extensive onward connections available from Muscat.”

Oman has experienced a 17.7 per cent increase in visitor numbers since 2014, rising to just under five million globally, with the UK & Ireland contributing 150,000 visitors in 2015. The increases are expected to continue given ongoing investment in new hotels, as well as a burgeoning conference, meetings, exhibitions and incentive market.