MUSCAT: Passenger traffic through the Sultanate of Oman’s airports fell 6.7 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, led by a decline at Muscat International Airport, official figures showed.
The country’s airports handled 10,432,121 arriving, departing and transit passengers in the nine months to September, compared with 11,176,189 in the same period last year, according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
International aircraft movements at Muscat, Salalah and Suhar airports fell 8.4 per cent to 60,387 from 65,918. The figures cover arriving and departing flights.
Muscat International Airport handled 9,065,676 passengers, down 7.2 per cent from 9,767,193 a year earlier. International and domestic aircraft movements at the airport declined 6.5 per cent to 64,938 from 69,439.
Indian nationals accounted for the largest number of passenger arrivals and departures at Muscat International Airport in September alone, totalling 141,896. These comprised 79,539 arrivals and 62,357 departures.
Omani nationals ranked second with 116,161 passengers, including 60,537 arrivals and 55,624 departures. Bangladeshi nationals followed with 50,423 passengers, comprising 28,174 arrivals and 22,249 departures.
At Salalah Airport, passenger traffic fell 2.8 per cent to 1,307,454 in the first nine months, compared with 1,345,356 a year earlier.
International and domestic aircraft movements at Salalah edged up 0.1 per cent to 8,682 from 8,670, despite the decline in passenger numbers.
Suhar Airport handled 16,290 passengers, down 12.2 per cent from 18,557. International and domestic aircraft movements fell 2.9 per cent to 204 from 210.
Duqm Airport recorded 440 domestic aircraft movements, down 4.3 per cent from 460 in the corresponding period of 2025. Passenger traffic declined 5.3 per cent to 42,701 from 45,083. — ONA
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