SalamAir is preparing to broaden its route network while maintaining competitive fares, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s push to attract more inbound tourism, according to Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of the completion of SalamAir’s acquisition, a strategic move designed to strengthen air connectivity and reinforce the sustainability of Oman’s aviation sector.

Hamilton-Manns described the acquisition as a positive milestone that benefits both national carriers, including Oman Air, allowing each airline to focus on its core markets. He emphasized that SalamAir will continue operating as a low-cost carrier, prioritizing efficiency and affordability.

To support tourism objectives under Vision 2040, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies and launch services to new destinations, providing wider connectivity at accessible fares.

Network Expansion and Key Markets

SalamAir operates both point-to-point and connecting flights, serving routes across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Africa is highlighted as a major growth region, with services to Mogadishu, Port Sudan, and Nairobi, alongside plans to extend further along the East African coast, including Mombasa. Resumption of flights to Khartoum is also under consideration.

Regionally, the airline is exploring additional destinations in Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, and the Levant, as well as secondary cities in Türkiye. In Europe, Vienna currently receives three weekly flights, with plans to increase to daily services. Opportunities in Eastern Europe, including Hungary and Poland, are also under review.

As part of its “blue ocean” strategy, SalamAir will launch flights to Medan, Indonesia, in July, entering a new market.

Fleet Growth and Operational Challenges

Currently operating 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft, SalamAir plans to add three more this year, with deliveries in April, May, and September. The airline continues to face challenges common to the industry, including engine maintenance and supply chain delays, with each repair potentially costing up to $8 million. Hamilton-Manns expressed confidence that technical solutions will mitigate these issues by year-end.

Strong Demand and Market Opportunities

The Indian market represents a major growth opportunity, with potential new services to cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Bhopal. The CEO noted strong economic and travel demand in India, describing it as largely untapped.

SalamAir reported a 93 percent on-time performance rate in 2025, although seasonal weather in South Asia remains a challenge.

Customer Service and Digital Transformation

Hamilton-Manns acknowledged ongoing issues with refunds and service delays, emphasizing efforts to automate and streamline processes. The airline is expanding digital customer service solutions, including chatbots and WhatsApp support, to complement traditional call centres.

“Customer care is a critical priority for us. We are investing in improving systems and enhancing passenger experience both digitally and at airports,” he said.

SalamAir transported roughly four million passengers in 2025, with only a small fraction requesting refunds, reflecting the scale of operational demand.

The airline reaffirmed its focus on growth, efficiency, and affordability, positioning itself as a key contributor to Oman’s tourism sector and broader economic diversification goals.

Source: ZAWYA

Türkiye-based flight simulator manufacturer Havelsan has successfully completed the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for a Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator (FFS) commissioned by Turkish Airlines. This marks the third simulator of its kind produced by Havelsan for the national carrier, which already operates six EASA Level D-certified devices.

The partnership between Havelsan and Turkish Airlines extends beyond equipment delivery. Since 2023, the two organizations have jointly operated a Boeing-focused flight training centre in Ankara, providing advanced pilot instruction for the airline’s growing fleet.

“This milestone reflects the strength and continuity of our partnership with Turkish Airlines. Delivering our third Boeing 737 MAX full flight simulator demonstrates our shared commitment to building advanced, reliable pilot training infrastructure that supports the airline’s ongoing growth,” said Mehmet Akif Nacar, Ph.D., CEO of Havelsan.

Havelsan has invested heavily in Boeing-specific simulators, particularly for the fuel-efficient 737 MAX platform, responding to airlines’ increasing focus on modernizing fleets.

The latest achievement coincides with the company’s expansion of its production capabilities. In March 2026, Havelsan began construction on a 17,000-square-meter Simulator Production and Integration Facility in Ankara. Expected to open in 2027, the facility will allow production of over 30 simulators annually while simultaneously supporting development of up to 16 devices.

As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its fleet, Havelsan’s contribution underlines the strategic importance of domestic simulator production in supporting Türkiye’s aviation sector.

Source: ZAWYA

SalamAir is preparing to broaden its route network while maintaining competitive fares, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the country’s push to attract more inbound tourism, according to Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns.

The announcement follows the government’s confirmation of the completion of SalamAir’s acquisition, a strategic move designed to strengthen air connectivity and reinforce the sustainability of Oman’s aviation sector.

Hamilton-Manns described the acquisition as a positive milestone that benefits both national carriers, including Oman Air, allowing each airline to focus on its core markets. He emphasized that SalamAir will continue operating as a low-cost carrier, prioritizing efficiency and affordability.

To support tourism objectives under Vision 2040, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies and launch services to new destinations, providing wider connectivity at accessible fares.

Network Expansion and Key Markets

SalamAir operates both point-to-point and connecting flights, serving routes across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Africa is highlighted as a major growth region, with services to Mogadishu, Port Sudan, and Nairobi, alongside plans to extend further along the East African coast, including Mombasa. Resumption of flights to Khartoum is also under consideration.

Regionally, the airline is exploring additional destinations in Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, and the Levant, as well as secondary cities in Türkiye. In Europe, Vienna currently receives three weekly flights, with plans to increase to daily services. Opportunities in Eastern Europe, including Hungary and Poland, are also under review.

As part of its “blue ocean” strategy, SalamAir will launch flights to Medan, Indonesia, in July, entering a new market.

Fleet Growth and Operational Challenges

Currently operating 15 Airbus A320 family aircraft, SalamAir plans to add three more this year, with deliveries in April, May, and September. The airline continues to face challenges common to the industry, including engine maintenance and supply chain delays, with each repair potentially costing up to $8 million. Hamilton-Manns expressed confidence that technical solutions will mitigate these issues by year-end.

Strong Demand and Market Opportunities

The Indian market represents a major growth opportunity, with potential new services to cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Bhopal. The CEO noted strong economic and travel demand in India, describing it as largely untapped.

SalamAir reported a 93 percent on-time performance rate in 2025, although seasonal weather in South Asia remains a challenge.

Customer Service and Digital Transformation

Hamilton-Manns acknowledged ongoing issues with refunds and service delays, emphasizing efforts to automate and streamline processes. The airline is expanding digital customer service solutions, including chatbots and WhatsApp support, to complement traditional call centres.

“Customer care is a critical priority for us. We are investing in improving systems and enhancing passenger experience both digitally and at airports,” he said.

SalamAir transported roughly four million passengers in 2025, with only a small fraction requesting refunds, reflecting the scale of operational demand.

The airline reaffirmed its focus on growth, efficiency, and affordability, positioning itself as a key contributor to Oman’s tourism sector and broader economic diversification goals.

Source: ZAWYA

Qatar Airways has cautioned passengers that refund processing times may be extended due to ongoing operational pressures, while emphasizing that teams are actively working to handle requests as efficiently as possible.

The airline confirmed that travelers holding confirmed bookings with departure dates between February 28 and April 30, 2026, can opt either to request a full refund or modify their travel dates without penalty.

According to the carrier, refunds returned to the original method of payment could take as long as 28 working days to complete. Passengers are advised to monitor their email for updates after submitting a request, as this will provide the latest status of their application.

Qatar Airways noted that reimbursement amounts will reflect the unused portion of the ticket. Any additional services purchased, such as seat selection, will be processed and refunded separately.

Customers looking for further information or support with their bookings are encouraged to consult the airline’s official travel updates portal for the most recent guidance.

Source: Zawya

India is set to abolish temporary limits on domestic airfares from Monday, according to a government directive reviewed by Reuters, as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and carriers face mounting cost pressures.

The fare restrictions were introduced in December after widespread flight cancellations by leading airline IndiGo led to a spike in ticket prices across the market. The government intervened to stabilise fares during a period of reduced capacity.

In its latest order, the civil aviation ministry said operating conditions have improved, pointing to restored flight capacity and a return to more stable operations. The directive, dated Friday and examined by Reuters on Saturday, has not been officially released. Officials from the ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Airlines had called for the removal of the caps, saying the controls were contributing to substantial revenue losses while operating expenses continued to rise. Higher jet fuel prices, partly driven by the conflict involving Iran, have added to the financial strain.

Although airlines have not disclosed specific loss figures, analysts at HSBC estimate that a $1 per barrel increase in fuel prices could raise IndiGo’s annual fuel costs by roughly 3 billion rupees.

Under the temporary rules, fares for flights up to 500 kilometres were capped at 7,500 rupees ($80.07), while routes between 1,000 and 1,500 kilometres—including New Delhi to Mumbai—had a maximum fare of 15,000 rupees.

Despite lifting the caps, the government has directed airlines to keep ticket prices fair and transparent, ensuring they reflect market conditions without harming passenger interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced plans to begin non-stop services between Singapore and Riyadh from June 2026, marking a significant step in its Middle East network expansion. The airline intends to operate the route four times a week using its Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft.

The aircraft will be configured with 303 seats, including 40 in Business Class and 263 in Economy Class, offering passengers a two-cabin travel option.

Pending regulatory approval, flight SQ498 will depart Singapore at 18:20 local time on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, arriving in Riyadh at 21:45. The return service, SQ499, is scheduled to leave Riyadh at 23:00 on the same days, landing in Singapore at 12:15 the following day.

From 25 October 2026, minor schedule adjustments will take effect. Departures from Singapore will shift to 17:40, arriving in Riyadh at 21:35, while return flights will depart Riyadh at 22:50 and arrive in Singapore at 11:50 the next day.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, said the move reflects Riyadh’s growing economic significance. He noted that the Saudi capital’s rapid development and strong business environment position it as a key destination in the region. He added that the new route could also enhance collaboration with partner airlines, providing customers with broader travel options across the Middle East.

Riyadh will become the second Saudi destination served by the SIA Group, complementing Scoot’s existing four-times weekly flights to Jeddah.

As the capital and financial hub of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh offers a mix of cultural and modern attractions. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as Diriyah and Masmak Fortress, alongside museums, high-end hotels, and diverse retail and dining experiences.

Ticket sales for the new service will be introduced gradually through Singapore Airlines’ distribution channels, subject to final approvals.