Oman ATCs are well-equipped to handle extra flight traffic

Muscat: The Muscat Air Traffic Control (ATC) is well-equipped with human resources and technology to handle any overload arising, especially due to geopolitical issues.

Speaking to the Observer, Saleh Abdullah al Harthy, the Director General of Air Navigation at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said, 'The authority is handling around 2,000 flights a day over the Oman Airspace and the number has gone up, especially after the Covid Pandemic.'   

According to the latest statistics, the Oman Airspace handled 585,000 overflying aircraft in 2025, while 18,000 permits were given to airlines and diplomatic flights during the period. Also, the airports in Oman handled over 15 million passengers last year.  

He added, The post-COVID recovery has seen an increase in the number of flights using the Oman Airspace, and geopolitical situations in the region play a big role in the growth of traffic because Oman is one of the safest corridors between the east and the west. The airlines are also encouraged to divert to this part of the airspace while transiting from the West to the East or down south because of the high-quality services that we provide due to investment in good infrastructure, such as communication, navigation, and surveillance services.'

The official said that the Oman airspace is managed by highly qualified and trained personnel who can handle several scenarios, including being prepared to handle abnormal traffic movements. At times, the flight traffic managed by our Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) can go upto 2,400 a day. 

He added that the CAA has developed contingency plans to manage the stress levels of the traffic controller. 'These plans also involve working with the ATCs of neighbouring countries to take some load from our team by distributing the flow of traffic.'  

The region is home to some of the major airports in the world, including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and also the Indian airports of Mumbai and New Delhi. 'Apart from issues arising due to closure of some airspaces, all the thes airports are seeing growth in their respective regions.' 

According to IATA, the Middle East is the strongest region in terms of net profit margin and profit per passenger. This performance attests to the difference a positive regulatory operating environment can make, and to the region’s strategic position as a global connecting hub.

Passenger demand continues to be robust, driven by long-haul traffic and the expansion of hub carriers. Governments and airlines are doubling down on infrastructure investments to secure long-term growth. While geopolitical tensions remain a feature of the regional landscape, they are not expected to negatively impact growth, particularly as efforts to secure lasting peace continue.