MUSCAT: Oman’s airports have experienced a remarkable surge in passenger traffic during the first half (H1) of 2024, with the number of passengers rising by 11.9% compared to the same period in 2023. The total passenger count reached 7,074,854 across 53,316 flights, up from 6,322,152 passengers on 49,013 flights in the first half of the previous year.
According to preliminary statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, Muscat International Airport saw an impressive increase in passenger numbers. By the end of June 2024, the airport had handled approximately 6,386,267 passengers, reflecting an 11.8% rise. The number of flights also increased by 8.7%, totaling 48,052.
Salalah Airport reported a 10.9% growth in passenger traffic, reaching 628,951 passengers by the end of June 2024. This was facilitated by 4,688 flights, marking a 7.3% increase in flight operations. Notably, international flights at Salalah Airport accounted for 2,475 flights with 306,989 passengers, while domestic flights comprised 2,213 flights with 321,962 passengers.
Sohar Airport managed to serve 29,751 passengers on 268 flights, and Duqm Airport handled 29,885 passengers on 308 flights during the same period.
Highlighting the diverse international travel through Muscat International Airport, Indian nationals topped the list of passengers with a total of 185,389 individuals (73,762 arrivals and 111,627 departures). Omani nationals followed with 131,108 passengers (57,585 arrivals and 73,523 departures), and Pakistani nationals were next with a total of 52,925 passengers (26,152 arrivals and 26,773 departures).
This significant growth in passenger traffic underscores the increasing connectivity and strategic importance of Oman’s airports in the region, reflecting robust economic and tourism activities. — ONA
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