Oman Air has announced the launch of its new daily flight from Manchester to Muscat starting May 1st, 2017; the latest move in the airline’s ambitious and dynamic programme of fleet and network expansion.

The daily service to Oman Air’s hub in Muscat will take seven and a half hours and will be operated by a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner and is in addition to the double daily flight from London Heathrow, making Manchester the only airport outside of 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.”

In the last few years Oman has been generating a lot of noise in the tourism sector with a 17.7 per cent increase in visitor numbers since 2014 to just under five million globally, with the UK & Ireland contributing 150,000 visitors in 2015. 

With considerable investment in new hotels, not to mention the conference, meetings, exhibitions and incentive market and the increasing airlift into Muscat from the UK,  these figures are expect to continue to grow.

Stephen Turner, Manchester Airport 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.”