Oman Air is to launch a brand-new service between Muscat and the Iranian city of Mashhad from 1st June 2016.
This is Oman Air’s second destination in Iran, following the launch of flights to Tehran in 2012. The carrier will operate daily flights aboard Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Flights will depart Muscat International Airport at 14.00hrs and arrive at Mashhad International Airport (also known as Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport) at 17.15hrs. Return flights will depart Mashhad International Airport at 21.45hrs and arrive in Muscat at 23.50hrs. (All times quoted are local).
Announcing the launch of the new service, Oman Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gregorowitsch, said:
“Oman Air is delighted to be launching a new service between Muscat and Mashhad from 1st June. The launch is in response to significant customer demand and we anticipate a high level of early bookings. The service will strengthen the well-established bilateral trade links between Oman and Iran and deliver further opportunities for the two nations.”
Commenting on the new service, Oman Air’s Deputy CEO & EVP Commercial, Abdulrahman Al Busaidy said:
“Oman Air’s new service to Mashhad will offer travelers from throughout our international network the opportunity to discover an exciting and vibrant new destination. Furthermore, our guests from Iran to Muscat and onward destinations will now have even greater choice and convenience, whilst enjoying Oman Air’s unique hospitality and award-winning in-flight services. The new service is sure to prove an overwhelming success.
Mashhad is Iran’s second most populous city, with around 2.8 million inhabitants. It is also a major center for cultural, religious and business affairs. Located in the north East of Iran, Mashhad’s economy is based on trade in fruit, nuts and spices, gems and jewelry, perfume and textiles. It is also Iran’s second largest manufacturing center for the automobile industry.
The launch of flights from Muscat to Mashhad continues Oman Air’s ambitious fleet and network expansion program, which was launched in late 2014. This will see the airline increase the size of its fleet to 70 aircraft – 25 wide-body and 45 narrow-body jets – by 2020. It will also see Oman Air increase the number of destinations to which it flies to 75 by 2020. In addition, frequencies on established routes are being increased and connections are being improved at Oman Air’s home base of Muscat International Airport.
The announcement by Oman Air of more new destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Europe is expected over the coming months.