Oman is preparing to issue airport expansion tenders this year as part of its push to meet the Sultanate’s ambitious 2040 tourism targets, the state-run Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is finalising detailed designs for Musandam Airport, with accelerated progress expected in 2025. A tender for the construction of Sohar Airport’s passenger terminal is due before year-end, while a new aircraft hangar at Muscat International Airport will be inaugurated this year, strengthening Oman’s position as a regional aviation maintenance hub.
The country’s 25-year strategy aims to boost annual tourist arrivals to 11.7 million by 2040, up from 2.6 million in 2015. In May, Oman awarded over $600 million in contracts for three resorts and an adventure park to capture a greater share of Gulf tourism revenues and create jobs for its citizens.
The aviation sector continues to show momentum:
The CAA issued 19 new permits for foreign airlines in 2024.
Revenues hit OR105 million ($273 million) last year.
Passenger traffic rose 2% year-on-year, with more than 120,000 flights recorded.
540,300 aircraft transited through Omani airspace, a 14% increase.
Air cargo volumes surpassed 150,000 tonnes in 2024.
Source: AGBI
