Air Astana will launch direct Salalah flights from Almaty and Astana on 23 and 24 October 2026, respectively. Each route will operate weekly, giving travellers from Kazakhstan new access to southern Oman without an intermediate airport connection.
The airline will use Airbus A320 aircraft on both services, offering Economy and Business Class tickets. Announced return fares start at US$536 from Almaty and US$596 from Astana in Economy Class.
The expansion creates another international entry point for visitors exploring Oman’s beaches, cultural attractions and landscapes. For Salalah’s hospitality businesses, it also opens opportunities to attract travellers from two major Kazakh cities.
Almaty Flights Begin With Friday Departures
The Almaty–Salalah route will launch on Friday, 23 October, with departures scheduled once a week.
Initially, flights will leave Almaty at 10:05 and arrive in Salalah at 15:15. The return service will depart Salalah at 16:25 and reach Almaty at 22:55.
However, the timetable changes from 30 October 2026. Flights will then depart Almaty at 07:30 and arrive in Salalah at 12:40.
Return departures will move to 13:50, with arrival in Almaty at 20:20. All listed times are local.
The revised schedule brings the Almaty departure forward by two hours and 35 minutes. Passengers should therefore distinguish between the launch-week timetable and subsequent departures when arranging airport transfers.
Astana Connection Offers A Capital Departure Option
Air Astana will introduce its Astana–Salalah service on Saturday, 24 October 2026. The route will operate weekly on Saturdays.
Flights will depart Astana at 08:35 and arrive in Salalah at 14:40. Return services will leave Salalah at 16:00 and reach Astana at 23:25.
For travellers starting in Kazakhstan’s capital, the service provides a direct alternative to an itinerary involving another airport.
The afternoon arrival gives visitors a practical reference point for coordinating hotel check-in and ground transport. Meanwhile, the late return arrival requires passengers to consider their onward arrangements in Astana.
Both routes offer a straightforward flight option, although their weekly frequency will shape the length and timing of holidays.
Starting Fares Give Travellers An Initial Budget Guide
Economy return fares from Almaty begin at US$536, while Business Class return fares start at US$1,391.
From Astana, Economy return tickets start at US$596. Business Class return fares begin at US$1,371.
These advertised prices provide a starting point for comparing departure cities and cabin options. They do not guarantee the same fare across every travel date.
Passengers should review availability, baggage allowances and ticket conditions before purchasing. Change rules and cancellation terms are particularly relevant when flights operate only once weekly.
For holidaymakers, the flight price represents one part of the overall budget. Accommodation, airport transfers, excursions and any onward journeys within Oman require separate consideration.
Salalah Gains Access To Two Visitor Markets
Located in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate, Salalah offers coastal scenery, cultural attractions and nature-focused travel experiences.
The city also has seasonal appeal associated with the khareef monsoon and its greenery. However, travellers should match their expectations to their chosen travel period.
The October launch creates direct access to southern Oman from both Almaty and Astana. That geographic reach could help local tourism businesses develop offers for different Kazakh departure markets.
Hotels and tour operators may find opportunities to coordinate stays with the Friday and Saturday flight patterns. Transport providers could also benefit from passengers requiring airport transfers and regional excursions.
Nevertheless, the announcement does not establish future visitor volumes, hotel occupancy or tourism revenue. Those outcomes will depend on bookings and spending after services begin.
Direct Flights Could Support Broader Oman Itineraries
The new connections give travellers another way to enter Oman beyond choosing its capital, Muscat, as their initial destination.
Visitors can consider Salalah for a dedicated coastal holiday or as part of a longer journey through the country. Any additional destinations will require suitable onward transport.
Business travellers and passengers visiting friends or relatives may also use the routes. Their ability to benefit will depend on whether weekly departures suit their commitments.
For Air Astana, the launch broadens its direct international network through two Kazakhstan departure points. Passenger demand and seasonal booking patterns will determine the services’ commercial performance.
Weekly Schedules Make Advance Planning Important
Travellers should confirm the latest flight times before booking, especially for Almaty departures from 30 October.
They should also check applicable entry requirements according to nationality, passport type and travel purpose.
Matching accommodation and return dates to the weekly timetable will help passengers build workable itineraries. The launch’s clearest immediate benefit is a simpler journey between Kazakhstan and southern Oman.
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