In a move that thrilled budget travelers across the UAE, flights to Salalah—one of Oman’s most scenic and refreshing destinations—became available for as low as Dh50, making spontaneous getaways more accessible than ever. The travel industry was abuzz with excitement as these flights, dubbed “cheaper than a plate of mandi,” allowed thousands to explore Salalah’s lush landscapes without breaking the bank.

Wizz Air's Role in Making Affordable Travel a Reality

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, known for its no-frills, ultra-low-cost model, was the driving force behind this travel revolution. The airline introduced promotional fares for flights from Abu Dhabi to Salalah, sometimes dropping ticket prices as low as Dh59 one way. This led to round-trip costs that barely crossed the Dh120–150 mark—unheard of in a region known for premium air travel pricing. These deeply discounted tickets were part of Wizz Air’s broader regional strategy to attract travelers with seasonal sales, app-exclusive offers, and massive flash discounts. Through campaigns such as “Pink Friday” and summer seat slashes, Wizz Air captured attention with its Dh50–Dh89 price points—encouraging travelers to explore Oman’s coastal beauty during peak travel windows.

Why Salalah Became the UAE’s Favorite Budget Destination

Located in southern Oman, Salalah is a unique destination within the Arabian Peninsula. Unlike the desert heat experienced in the UAE during summer, Salalah is transformed by the Khareef season—a tropical monsoon that brings greenery, waterfalls, mist-covered hills, and cool breezes. For UAE residents, the opportunity to enjoy this cooler climate just a short flight away made Salalah irresistible. The ultra-low fares meant that trips to Salalah became more than just a dream for budget travelers—they became a weekend reality. With a little planning, couples and families were able to swap mall visits for coconut beaches and rolling hills, often spending less than a local lunch on the flight.

What Travelers Loved—and What They Learned

Frequent flyers who took advantage of the Salalah deals quickly shared their experiences on social media. Many described Wizz Air flights as basic but reliable, ideal for short journeys. While the airline doesn’t offer traditional inflight meals or entertainment, savvy travelers packed snacks, downloaded offline content, and embraced the no-frills adventure. One crucial tip echoed by travelers was the importance of checking in online to avoid unexpected airport fees. Since Wizz Air operates under a strict low-cost model, services like airport check-in or extra baggage often incur charges that can cancel out the savings. Travel light, follow instructions, and check in early became the mantra of frequent Salalah flyers.

How to Score Ultra-Cheap Flights from the UAE

While fares like Dh50 were not available every day, they often popped up during limited-time flash sales on Wizz Air’s website and app. Many residents who scored the best deals were part of flight alert groups, subscribed to the airline’s newsletter, or regularly checked app-only offers. Some travel advisors even recommended booking midweek and flying during off-peak hours to access the cheapest seats. Travel agencies and deal-sharing communities noted that using Emirates ID and valid UAE residency status often made the visa process into Oman easier. For many UAE residents, visa-on-arrival eligibility made the entire trip to Salalah a hassle-free affair.

The End of an Era: Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s Exit

Despite the popularity of its low-cost Salalah route, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced its exit from the UAE market, with final operations scheduled to wrap up by September 2025. The decision was reportedly influenced by rising fuel costs, aircraft availability issues, regulatory hurdles, and growing operational challenges in the region. Though disappointing to regular travelers who had come to rely on Wizz Air for weekend escapes, the airline's brief but impactful stint set new expectations for travel affordability in the region. Alternative low-cost carriers like Flynas and Air Arabia continue to serve similar destinations, though few match the shockingly low price point set by Wizz Air.

What This Means for UAE Travelers in 2025

The temporary availability of ultra-budget flights from Abu Dhabi to Salalah marks a significant shift in how residents perceive travel. It demonstrated that affordable regional tourism is possible when carriers and tourism boards work together to open up lesser-known destinations. More importantly, it also sparked a trend where weekend travel became normalized. Trips that were once considered too expensive or logistically complicated became part of casual plans—sometimes booked only a few days in advance. Even with Wizz Air’s exit, the legacy of the Dh50 flight remains. It introduced thousands of UAE residents to Salalah’s natural beauty and redefined what spontaneous, budget-friendly travel could look like in the Gulf.

Flights to Salalah for the price of a mandi might sound like a social media joke—but for many UAE travelers, it was a reality. Wizz Air opened a door to adventure, fresh air, and unforgettable memories at a time when affordable travel felt out of reach. Though the airline is stepping back, the travel culture it helped ignite is only gaining momentum. Whether or not future carriers can match the same Dh50 deal, one thing’s certain: UAE residents are now watching the skies—and their apps—for the next ultra-affordable escape.