MUSCAT – The move signals the Sultanate’s ambitions to become a regional leader in the rapidly expanding space economy.

In a press note issued online, Etlaq Spaceport, the region’s first commercial spaceflight hub, welcomed the announcement, hailing it as a milestone that strengthens Oman’s position as a hub for accessible and sustainable space exploration.

The recently issued Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 5-01) sets out the process for coordinating spaceflight activities within Oman’s airspace. Under the directive, companies seeking launch approval must submit an evidence-based safety case to the CAA in order to reserve launch windows in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR). Applications aim to be processed in as little as 45 days, giving operators one of the fastest approval cycles globally, while maintaining rigorous aviation, maritime, and ground safety requirements.

His Highness Azzan Kais Al Said, CEO of Etlaq Spaceport said: “This announcement is a landmark moment for the Sultanate of Oman and for the global space community. By formalising a fast, clear, and internationally credible launch approval process, Oman is showing that it is serious about space launch, and that it is ready to host the world’s most ambitious missions.”

The spaceport will coordinate directly with the Ministry of Transportation, Communication, and Information Technology (MTCIT), CAA, and the National Space Programme, to facilitate timely authorisation of launches. The framework also brings together national aviation, maritime, environmental, and security authorities to offer launch providers a unified and well-coordinated system.

Importantly, the framework places no limit on the number of launches per year on either the launch service provider or Etlaq Spaceport, allowing the freedom to expand launch cadence as demand grows.
The new framework directly addresses an international launch capacity shortage, with launch vehicles and their satellite customers increasingly facing longer waiting times to reach orbit.

It also responds to a growing trend in the space industry around responsive launch – the ability of governments or private operators to rapidly launch new or replacement satellites for a variety of reasons, including national security. Oman’s fast-track approval cycle positions Etlaq Spaceport as a cost-competitive and flexible option, offering providers the chance to book missions at short notice while avoiding lengthy delays.

Rawya Al Adawi, Act Director General of Civil Aviation Regulations, said, “The Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to support the safe and coordinated integration of space launch activities within Oman’s airspace. The publication of Civil Aviation Directive CAD 5-01 ensures that airspace use during launch operations is managed in line with international aviation safety standards.”

Dr. Saoud Al Shoaili, Director General of Policies & Governance and Head of the National Space Program, pointed out that the National Space Program fully supports the project, as it represents one of the key initiatives under the Oman Space Policy and Executive Program (2023–2033).