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The travel landscape in the UAE has witnessed significant growth as the country expands its tourism offerings with new regional flights. In a notable move, Etihad Airways launched direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Salalah (SLL) in Oman, enhancing travel connectivity and providing more options for leisure seekers in the Gulf region. This announcement, made in late May 2026, aligns with the airline’s efforts to facilitate inbound tourism and diversify travel routes across the Arabian Peninsula.
The new Abu Dhabi–Salalah route starts with two weekly flights, with an increase to five weekly services anticipated by mid-June, coinciding with the peak travel season in the Dhofar region. This period, which is popularly known as the Khareef season, attracts thousands of visitors from the Gulf. Salalah transforms into a lush green landscape during this time, thanks to its unique monsoon-influenced climate, making it a must-visit summer getaway for families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
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Now part of Etihad’s year-round network, Salalah joins the existing link to Muscat, which has been in operation for twenty years. The direct flight to Salalah provides a swift journey of under two hours, making it an ideal choice for those looking to escape the desert heat and experience coastal beauty and cultural richness in Oman.
This strategic move to link less-traveled destinations reflects a broader initiative aimed at increasing travel choices and enhancing visitor movement among neighboring regions. For updated schedules and more information, travelers can refer to Etihad Airways’ official website and booking platforms.
Alongside these developments, flydubai has announced the introduction of scheduled flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Benghazi Benina International Airport (BEN) in Libya, set to commence on 17 June 2026. This flight route aims to restore the long-lost air connectivity between the UAE and Libya’s second-largest city, addressing a prominent gap in travel options between the Gulf and North Africa.
Benghazi will be integrated into flydubai’s expanding network that currently covers various routes in East and North Africa, allowing Libyan travelers access to an extensive array of international destinations through Dubai. The comeback of flights to underserved areas is part of the airline’s growth strategy for summer 2026, which is expected to encompass over 100 destinations.
In addition to the Benghazi launch, flydubai plans to resume seasonal flights to sought-after leisure locations in Europe and the Mediterranean, further catering to the summer holiday demand. Destinations including coastal resorts in Turkey, Croatia, Greece, and Montenegro will once again be on offer for summer travelers.
For the latest information on the Benghazi route and other scheduled services, passengers are encouraged to check flydubai’s official digital platforms for real-time updates based on flight demand and operational needs.
In a related context, Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) has initiated short-term travel restrictions for non-citizens arriving from select African nations in response to a rise in Ebola virus disease cases. Effective from 19 May 2026, these limitations affect travelers from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda, as highlighted by international health guidelines.
The policy dictates that travelers who have been in any of these countries within the last 30 days will be denied entry into Bahrain. Bahraini citizens returning from these regions may enter but are required to undergo thorough health screenings at airport checkpoints, including Bahrain International Airport (BAH). This measure is set for an initial duration of 30 days, subject to re-evaluation based on ongoing health developments.
Such travel advisories are in line with global health practices aimed at mitigating disease transmission risks. Travelers planning trips are advised to remain updated with the latest guidance from national authorities and international health organizations.
The simultaneous introduction of new air routes alongside health safety regulations highlights the dynamic nature of the aviation and tourism sectors in the Gulf. Airlines are diligently working to expand connectivity while balancing public health concerns. With flights to destinations like Salalah and Benghazi, travelers now have enhanced options for vacations and business trips.
This expansion plays a crucial role in boosting tourism flows across the Gulf and North African regions, thus supporting economic growth within the travel industry. Tourists from India, the Middle East, and beyond can take advantage of these new flight schedules for leisurely or transit-oriented travel. It’s essential for travelers to stay informed about route changes, entry requirements, and health protocols as they plan their journeys.
• Check your airline’s website for the most current flight schedules and booking options.
• Consult Bahrain’s CAA and Ministry of Health for the latest entry requirements and health-related updates.
• Review travel advisories issued by recognized health and governmental organizations before planning multi-country itineraries.
• Consider local seasonal tourism trends, like the Khareef season in Oman, when selecting summer travel destinations.
Image: flydubai
Source: The post UAE Travel and Tourism Expands with New Regional Flights as Bahrain Implements Ebola Safety Rules first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
