A number of reputable local and international engineering firms are in the race for a contract to design and supervise the construction of a new airport in Oman’s Musandam Governorate – a key project that will enhance the strategic enclave’s appeal to tourism, investment and overall development.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is overseeing the development of the new airport in Oman’s northernmost governorate overlooking the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The new modern facility will supplant Khasab Airport, an airbase that doubles as a civilian airport which, because of its location hemmed in by soaring mountains, cannot accommodate large passenger planes and most international flights.
The successful bidder will secure a consultancy services contract covering, among other things, the preliminary and detailed design, tendering supervision, as well as overall supervision of an airport compliant with Oman and international standards.
Included in the design on the airside are facilities for a new runway, taxiway, apron and aircraft stands, as well as service and emergency roads, and navigation aids, among other fixtures.
Facilities envisioned on the landside include a passenger terminal building with passenger boarding bridges, Air Traffic Control Tower, security facilities, crash fire and rescue, and fuel farm building, along with offices for a range of service providers.
Significantly, the consultancy services tender marks the culmination of a multi-year effort by Oman’s aviation authorities to pinpoint a suitable site for the development of a modern airport in one of the most mountainous and rugged parts of the country.
Finding ample land to accommodate a 4-kilometre-long runway, which is the standard length of airports in Oman, has proven to be a huge challenge. More than a dozen sites distributed across the governorate were assessed for their suitability, leading authorities to eventually zero in on a greenfield site in the governorate.
Importantly, the new airport project will complement major infrastructure improvements underway across Musandam to support its positioning as a promising hub for tourism and investment. Of late, the government – represented by Omran Group and the Governor of Musandam – have ramped up development of new tourist and cultural attractions with the goal of enhancing its overall appeal. A new zipline has been brought into operation at Khasab, while a flurry of beautification projects are under implementation as well.
Last month, a contract was awarded for the construction of a carriageway linking Khasab, Diba and Lima in the governorate at a cost or RO 151 million. The 95km blacktop will serve as a new lifeline for overland travel in this mountainous region.
The deadline for submission of offers for the Musandam Airport consultancy services contract is July 2, 2023.
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