Mihin Lanka, the region’s leading l ow-cost airline, will commence flight operations to Muscat, the capital city of Oman, from October 25, 2015 onwards. A total of four weekly flights will be introduced and will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from Bandaranaike International Airport.

The frequencies will increase to five weekly flights from November 11, 2015 and the additional flight will operate on Wednesdays. The four-hour direct flight will provide passengers with an affordable, convenient and comfortable travel option to Muscat.

Mihin Lanka has included Muscat in its regional route network, as part of the airline’s five-year expansion plan to achieve greater growth, whilst enhancing connectivity throughout the region. Often described as ‘Arabia’s jewel’, Muscat was one of the most important cities of the old Orient and still remains an important hub in the region today. Muscat is located in the northeastern part of the country on the Gulf of Oman. The city has one of the largest natural harbours in the world and has served as a transhipment point for goods from Arabia, India and Europe for centuries.

Commenting on the addition of Muscat to Mihin Lanka’s route network, Mihin Lanka Head of Commercial Rohana Perera stated, “Mihin Lanka is very proud to expand our operations to Muscat in Oman. Oman is a destination which has a growing Sri Lankan and large Indian expatriate community who have established their careers over a long period of time. This direct flight will enable them and their family members to travel between Colombo, Muscat and several Indian cities with greater ease and convenience. The addition of this new destination to the airline’s route network, will also support and contribute to feeder traffic from Colombo to other destinations which Mihin Lanka operates flights to along with our code share partner SriLankan Airlines.”

Muscat has a long history of being a cultural, historical and trade hotspot due to its strategic location. The city of Muscat is renowned for being one of the cleanest Arab capitals in the region, and has retained its authentic character and heritage, whilst evolving into a modern and dynamic city that is the perfect blend of old and new. As a destination, Muscat offers travellers a diverse range of bustling shopping centres and malls, vibrant local markets and a variety of cultural attractions. Travellers can also enjoy a variety of activities in the city ranging from camel racing, to golfing, boating and horse racing.