MUSCAT, JULY 18
In a remarkable display of progress, Oman’s airports experienced substantial growth in passenger traffic and flight volume until the end of May 2023. In a preliminary statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 5,223,992 passengers (arrival, departure and transit) used the airports in Oman until end-May 2023 with 40,151 flights.
The statistics unveiled a promising future for the aviation industry in the Sultanate of Oman, with Muscat International Airport leading the way. Muscat International Airport, the country’s busiest airport, reported a staggering 79.5% increase in passenger traffic, serving a remarkable 4,718,497 passengers compared to the same period last year with 2,628,203 passengers.
The airport also witnessed a notable 65.5% surge in flight volume, with 36,315 flights recorded until end-May 2023 compared to 21,930 flights until end-May 2022.
This exceptional growth can be attributed to the airport’s strategic location as a transit hub and the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Salalah Airport, known for its captivating natural beauty, also experienced significant growth. The airport reported a commendable 32.7% increase in passenger traffic, catering to 470,950 passengers until end-May 2023 compared to 354,789 passengers of the same period last year.
Additionally, flight volume at Salalah Airport witnessed a 26.4% rise, totalling 3,468 flights compare to 2,743 flights until end-May last year. The surge in passenger numbers can be attributed to the region’s popularity among tourists and business travellers, who are drawn to its picturesque landscapes and economic opportunities.
However, Suhar Airport faced a notable decline in passenger traffic and flight volume. The airport recorded a 80.7% decrease in passenger traffic, serving only 6,999 passengers until end-May 2023 compared to 36,264 passengers during the same period last year. Flight volume at Suhar Airport also decreased by 66.9%, with a total of 110 flights during the specified period, compared to 332 flights last year.
Meanwhile, Duqm Airport, located near the Special Economic Zone, exhibited modest growth. The airport recorded a 4.9% increase in passenger traffic, serving 27,546 passengers until end-May 2023 compared to 26,263 passengers until end-May last year.
However, flight volume experienced a marginal 7.9% decrease, with a total of 258 flights, compared to 280 flights last year. Duqm Airport’s potential lies in its proximity to the Special Economic Zone, which attracts business travellers and cargo operations. The slight dip in flight volume suggests a need to explore strategies to further leverage the airport’s advantageous location.
The surge in passenger traffic and flight volume across Oman’s airports presents exciting opportunities for businesses in the aviation sector.
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