Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the completion of construction work as part of the rehabilitation of the southern runway at Muscat International Airport and it will be operational soon.
The southern runway is the old runway as it was commissioned in 1973 with the opening of the Seeb International Airport in 1973.
This primary runway was used for domestic and international flights until the opening of the northern runway in mid-December 2014, as part of the construction package of the new passenger building, which was completed in March 2018.
The airport was closed for maintenance with the opening of the Northern Runway, which was constructed as part of the new terminal building.
Rehabilitation works worth RO21 million included renovation and lengthening of the runway by 500 metres, and nine exit and entry lanes were added for aircraft, including four fast lanes, to enhance the capabilities of Muscat International Airport, which will allow receiving larger aircraft, including the A380.
It will also be faster take-off and entry of aircraft due to the increase in the number of exit and entry corridors.
According to CAA, the opening of the second runway will enhance international and local air traffic, contributing to multiple take-off and landing routes, and alleviating the noise felt by residents of the areas adjacent to the airport.
There has been an increase of 54.7 per cent in international flight and 6.1 per cent in passenger movement at Muscat International Airport in the first eight months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
The updated charts to include the airport’s landing and take-off runways are published and distributed to all airlines for use by their pilots so that they are aware of the modified facilities before landing.
The runway is currently being prepared to begin the movement of aircraft after obtaining the necessary certificates in accordance with safety requirements and regulations for the start of landing and take-off of aircraft.
The new devices are being tested and operated and the licencing process includes an actual examination of the runway and taxiways (including automated landing systems) by specialists at CAA in accordance with requirements. International Civil Aviation Organization, ahead of the operational readiness phase.
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