With new airport, Duqm set to scale new heights

Lakshmi Kothaneth -
MUSCAT, JAN 16 -
The year 2019 is considered an important for Al Wusta governorate, which raises high expectations from Duqm in general and particularly its airport, to bring in more aircraft, especially cargo flights.
“Refinery has been confirmed; it is going full steam with construction. The port is reaching end of its construction. And the airport is fully operational. All this means all requirements for investors to come to Duqm have been met,” Reggy Vermeulen, CEO, Port of Duqm.
“We are already seeing increased interest in both local and international investors in setting up businesses in Duqm.”
Port of Duqm is on the finalization track. “We are aiming for beginning of 2020 for completing the two phases, which means the gate complex and terminal complex are ready. That will help us increase productivity as well as increase the available space. In 2019, we aim to complete terminals and start operations on a larger scale,” he said.
“The volume of cargo is expected to increase once the refinery construction begins,” said Vermeulen.
With the opening of the airport, there is increased expectation from various sectors in Duqm, a city that has seen growing investments in projects.
“The next step would be to increase the number of airplanes coming to Duqm not only for passengers but also for cargo because Duqm is fast becoming a hub for oil & gas industries. A part of the cargo is brought by aircraft and we hope to have them delivered directly to Duqm.”
According to Vinod Kumar Mehta, Project Director for Duqm Airport from Larsen & Toubro (Oman) LLC, new airport’s cargo capacity is 25,000 tonnes. “The airport can handle any type of aircraft, including Airbus A-380,” he said.
The central governorate of the Sultanate with four provinces — Haima, Duqm, Mahout and Jazir —has predominantly seen fisheries as the main occupation and industry.
For industries in Al Wusta, the Duqm airport is a “big development”, said Abdoon Mohammed al Harsoosi, Director of the Directorate of Ministry of Commerce of Industry in Al Wusta Governorate.
“The airport will be an important factor to raise all industries based in the region. The main industries are fisheries and oil.”
The Duqm Special Economic Zone has been developing fishing sector in the northern part of Duqm, which comprises a fishing harbour that can accommodate small- and medium-sized fishing boats and retail, wholesale and export markets.
The plan also includes setting aside land for fish processing, canning, fish oil and animal feed industries.
In addition to aqua culture, a plan is on for a marine research centre and a quality assurance centre for fresh and processed fish export.