Airports traffic rises despite fewer flights

MUSCAT: Passenger traffic through the Sultanate of Oman’s airports rose by 2.8 per cent in 2025, reaching 14,939,209 travellers by the end of December, compared with 14,537,674 a year earlier, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Despite the rise in passenger numbers, total aircraft movements declined by 2.8 per cent to 104,510 flights, down from 107,546 in 2024, reflecting improved load factors and route optimisation across the network.
At Muscat International Airport, international flights fell by 4.5 per cent to 82,913, yet passenger numbers on those services increased by 1.3 per cent to 11.84 million, indicating stronger seat occupancy. Domestic operations at Muscat recorded solid growth, with flights rising 6.6 per cent to 9,606 and passenger numbers surging 12 per cent to 1.32 million.
Salalah Airport posted mixed results. International flights slipped 2.4 per cent to 4,886, while passenger numbers remained broadly stable at 678,591. Domestic traffic showed robust expansion, with flights climbing 14.3 per cent and passenger volumes jumping 17.7 per cent to just over one million.
By contrast, Suhar Airport saw a sharp contraction in international activity, with flights plunging 77.8 per cent and passenger numbers dropping 99.1 per cent. Domestic services also declined.
Duqm Airport recorded marginal decreases in both flights and passengers.
Overall, the figures underscore steady growth in passenger demand, particularly on domestic routes, reinforcing aviation’s contribution to tourism, connectivity and economic activity. — ONA