SalamAir Inaugurates First Direct Muscat to Sylhet Flight Service
SalamAir has launched the first direct scheduled service between Muscat and Sylhet, Bangladesh, enhancing connectivity for the expatriate community.
Traveller Impact
Travellers between Oman and Sylhet can now bypass connecting hubs, significantly reducing travel time and costs.
Why This Matters
On September 1, 2026, SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, officially launched its inaugural direct flight between Muscat International Airport and Osmani International Airport in Sylhet, Bangladesh. This development marks a significant milestone as SalamAir becomes the first foreign airline to operate scheduled services to Sylhet. The route is designed to serve the substantial Bangladeshi expatriate community residing in Oman, providing a direct, affordable alternative to existing routes that typically require transit through other major airports.
The launch aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040, which emphasizes the expansion of international connectivity and the strengthening of the aviation and tourism sectors. By establishing this direct link, SalamAir is responding to strong, verifiable travel demand that has historically been underserved by direct flights. The inaugural flight saw a load factor of approximately 70%, indicating immediate market interest and the viability of the route for both leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel.
Who Is Affected
Bangladeshi expatriates living and working in Oman are the primary beneficiaries, as they now have a direct route to their home region. Additionally, travellers seeking more affordable and time-efficient transit options between the Sultanate of Oman and the northeastern region of Bangladesh will see immediate improvements in their travel logistics.
What Travellers Should Do
Book directly through the SalamAir website to access the most current promotional fares for the new Muscat-Sylhet route.
Verify visa and entry requirements for both Oman and Bangladesh, as these can change based on residency status and nationality.
Consider the reduced travel time when comparing total trip costs, as the elimination of a layover often offsets the price difference compared to legacy carriers.
Monitor the airline’s social media and newsletter for potential introductory offers or baggage allowance promotions associated with the new route launch.
Makutet Insight
Makutet views this route as a classic example of 'niche market capture' where a low-cost carrier identifies a high-volume, underserved VFR market. We anticipate that if the 70% load factor holds or increases, other regional carriers may attempt to compete on this route, potentially leading to a price war that would further benefit the consumer in the short term.
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