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Oman News

Oman in talks with Wizz Air after Abu Dhabi exit, plans more flights from Europe and China

Oman Airports is actively working to attract international airlines to operate direct flights to the Sultanate, with negotiations underway with carriers from Europe, China, and Southeast Asia.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Muscat: Engineer Ahmed bin Saeed Al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, revealed that discussions are currently being held with several airlines as part of a broader strategy to increase revenues, improve operational performance, and strengthen Oman’s global aviation presence.

Among the key developments, Oman Airports is in advanced talks with European budget airline Wizz Air to launch direct flights from Budapest and other European cities to Oman. Whether via the Hungarian capital, Budapest, or other European cities, he indicated that the company is very serious about launching these routes soon.

Simultaneously, efforts are underway to attract China Eastern Airlines for direct flights from Shanghai or Guangzhou to Muscat, in coordination with the Chinese Embassy in Oman. Al Amri highlighted that incentive and promotional packages are being offered to encourage the airline to establish these routes.

Further expanding its European outreach, Oman Airports is collaborating with LOT Polish Airlines to initiate a Muscat–Warsaw connection. The Civil Aviation Authority is in communication with its Polish counterpart to finalize the route.

Exploring the potential of Southeast Asia, Oman Airports and Oman Air are jointly studying the Vietnamese market for future direct flights.

Salalah Airport has also recorded a noticeable rise in passenger traffic this year, driven by increased domestic flights during the autumn season and growing interest from GCC countries. Additionally, the winter season brought in direct flights from Scandinavian countries and Belarus.

At Muscat International Airport, passenger numbers are on the rise compared to pre-COVID-19 levels, although a dip in transfer passengers was noted due to a reduction in Oman Air’s fleet and flight operations.

Al Amri also emphasized recent international collaborations to maximize airport revenues. A strategic agreement with Changi Airport in Singapore will help boost aviation and commercial income, while a memorandum of understanding with a Malaysian company aims to unlock investment opportunities within Muscat International Airport’s land assets.

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