SYLHET, Aug 06 (V7N) — Oman-based SalamAir will begin direct flights between Sylhet and Muscat on Sept. 1, marking the return of a foreign airline to Osmani International Airport after an eight-year absence, airport officials said.
The new service is expected to improve travel options for Bangladeshi expatriates, particularly those living and working in Oman, by providing a direct connection from Sylhet.
According to Osmani International Airport Director Hafiz Ahmed, SalamAir will initially operate three weekly flights on the Sylhet–Muscat route.
"For many passengers, especially expatriate workers, the new service will offer a more convenient and competitive travel option," he said.
Foreign airlines have not operated regular scheduled flights from Osmani International Airport since Dubai-based flydubai suspended its Sylhet-Dubai service in September 2018. The airline had launched operations from Sylhet in April 2015 and later expanded to daily flights before withdrawing the route due to operational reasons.
SalamAir's return is viewed as a significant step toward restoring international connectivity at Bangladesh's northeastern gateway.
Selim Al Razi, SalamAir's Area Manager for Sylhet, said the airline currently serves 38 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and Europe through its expanding international network.
He said SalamAir plans to operate 24 weekly flights from Bangladesh, including 14 from Chattogram, seven from Dhaka and three from Sylhet.
The airline will officially inaugurate its Sylhet operations at a ceremony in the city on Sept. 1.
Industry officials say additional foreign airlines are also considering launching services from Osmani International Airport later this year.
Airport authorities noted that major infrastructure upgrades have recently been completed, including runway expansion and the construction of a modern cargo warehouse, while work on a new passenger terminal and other facilities is continuing. Officials believe these improvements have strengthened the airport's capacity to accommodate more international airlines.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines currently operates direct international services from Sylhet to London, Manchester, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, industry sources said US-Bangla Airlines is planning direct flights to Makkah and Madinah, while both flydubai and UAE-based Air Arabia have expressed interest in resuming or launching services from Sylhet in the near future.
Aviation and travel industry representatives believe the return of foreign carriers will strengthen Sylhet's international connectivity, expand travel choices for passengers and support trade, tourism and economic links between Bangladesh and overseas destinations.
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