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).

Mashhad is Iran’s second most populous city, with around 2.8 million inhabitants. It is also a major centre 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 jewellery, perfume and textiles. It is also Iran’s second largest manufacturing center for the automobile industry. The announcement by Oman Air of more new destinations across the Middle East, Asia and Europe is expected over the coming months.