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Oman News

Muscat International Airport celebrates 7 years; Salalah Airport marks 10th anniversary

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today marked the seventh anniversary of the opening of Muscat International Airport and the tenth anniversary of Salalah Airport.

ONA

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

MUSCAT – The two airports represent key pillars of Oman’s air transport infrastructure that have significantly contributed to the development and modernisation of the civil aviation sector.
The celebration underscores the Authority’s pivotal role in fostering a safe, sustainable, and competitive aviation environment, enhancing Oman’s position as a leading regional aviation hub in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 to achieve balanced and sustainable development.

Muscat International Airport

Since its inauguration on 11 November 2018, Muscat International Airport has cemented its position as a major hub in Oman’s air transport network, achieving a remarkable rise in global rankings to 11th place worldwide within its capacity category of 15–25 million passengers annually.
The airport recorded strong growth in passenger numbers, reaching over 1.06 million passengers in October 2025, compared to 955,000 passengers in October 2024, representing a 12 percent increase. Air traffic remained stable at around 8,000 flights during the same period.
As part of its continuous infrastructure development, the CAA completed the southern runway project at Muscat International Airport in 2024. The new runway – 4 kilometres long and 45 meters wide – is equipped with advanced lighting and control systems using energy-efficient LED technologies, ensuring sustainable operations and full compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

In recognition of its excellence, Muscat International Airport received multiple international accolades in 2024, including Best Airport in the Middle East (for the 5–15 million passenger category), Best Staff in the Middle East for dedication and commitment, Easiest Airport Journey in the Middle East, and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.

The airport’s passenger terminal spans 580,000 square meters and can accommodate 20 million passengers annually, with future expansion capacity up to 56 million, featuring advanced digital and smart systems to enhance efficiency and passenger experience.


Salalah Airport

Celebrating a decade since its opening on 11 November 2015, Salalah Airport continues to serve as a vital gateway linking Dhofar Governorate with other parts of Oman and international destinations, playing a crucial role in supporting the region’s tourism and economic growth.


In October 2025, Salalah Airport recorded over 104,000 passengers, compared to 91,000 in the same month of 2024, marking a 15 percent increase in passenger traffic. Aircraft movements also rose by 8 percent during the same period.


The airport has maintained its five-star Skytrax rating since 2019 and advanced to fourth place globally among airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually. In 2024, it earned five major awards, including Best Airport in the Middle East (for airports under two million passengers), Easiest Airport Journey in the Middle East, Best Staff in the Middle East for dedication and commitment, Cleanest Airport in the Middle East, and Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East.

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