Oman’s gateways to the world mark anniversaries

Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today marks the seventh anniversary of the opening of Muscat International Airport and the tenth anniversary of the opening of Salalah Airport, two key national pillars in Oman’s air transport network and in advancing the civil aviation infrastructure to align with the latest global standards and technologies.

This celebration highlights the pivotal role played by the authority in fostering a safe and sustainable operational environment that enhances the competitiveness of Oman’s civil aviation sector and strengthens the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a leading regional aviation hub, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for balanced and sustainable development.

Marking the seventh anniversary of the opening of Muscat International Airport’s terminal building on November 11, 2018, the airport has established itself as a major hub in Oman’s air transport system, achieving significant international recognition by ranking 11th globally within its capacity category (15–25 million passengers annually).

The airport has also maintained steady growth in passenger traffic, recording more than 1.06 million passengers in October 2025 compared to 955,000 in October 2024, an increase of 12 per cent.

As part of CAA's efforts to enhance infrastructure efficiency and airport readiness, 2024 witnessed the completion of the southern runway project at Muscat International Airport — one of the most significant development projects at the airport. The project aims to strengthen both international and domestic flight operations by enabling multiple take-off and landing routes in accordance with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The new runway extends 4 kilometres in length and 45 metres in width, equipped with advanced lighting and control systems that use energy-efficient LED technology, ensuring higher operational efficiency, sustainability, and full compliance with international safety standards.

In 2024, Muscat International Airport earned several international accolades, including Best Airport in the Middle East (for the 5–15 million passenger category), Best Airport Staff in the Middle East for dedication and service, Easiest Airport Journey in the Middle East, and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.

The passenger terminal spans an area of 580,000 square metres, with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, expandable to 56 million. It features the latest digital systems and smart technologies for operational management and passenger services.