Arab News: Oman is expanding its global aviation footprint with new air routes to Asia, Europe and Africa as the sultanate accelerates plans to scale its transport, tourism and logistics sectors.
The Civil Aviation Authority, working with airport operators and national as well as international airlines, is widening international connectivity as part of a broader push to build an integrated airport network and strengthen passenger and cargo movement across the country, according to the Oman News Agency.
The expansion supports Oman’s long-term aviation strategy, which aims to raise the sector’s gross domestic product contribution from 159 million Omani rials ($413 million) in 2018 to 890 million rials by 2030, a more than sixfold increase. The strategy also targets handling 40 million passengers annually by 2030, double the levels recorded in 2019.
“The authority has focused on maximizing the benefits of Oman’s position as a regional and global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographic location on international air routes,” the ONA report stated.
It added: “This is achieved through the development of Omani airports as key hubs for air connectivity and the transport of goods and passengers, facilitating domestic connections and encouraging tourism between the governorates.”
Aircraft movements through Omani airspace rose by 14 percent year on year, reaching 530,300 by the end of 2024.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s actual revenues reached approximately 105 million rials by the end of 2024, representing a 43 percent increase compared to revenues collected in 2023. This reflects its operational efficiency and significant economic contribution.
The authority is also working to strengthen partnerships with the private sector in various areas of aviation and airport services, including ground handling, maintenance, air cargo and catering.
These partnerships align with the country’s strategy to empower the private sector to manage and operate vital facilities, enhance service efficiency and adopt the latest operational technologies.
These developments are supported by a series of advanced technical upgrades across Omani airports, including modernized air navigation systems, expanded radar coverage, and digital platforms to improve operational continuity.
The Civil Aviation Authority is also advancing green initiatives — such as solar-powered facilities and electric ground vehicles — to reduce emissions and align the sector with international sustainability standards.
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