Oman’s airports see increase in number of new airlines

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman's airports are witnessing a noticeable increase in the number of new airlines that have launched their services at Muscat International and Salalah Airports.

Oman Airports is currently working with operating airlines to increase their flights rates through Oman’s airports to pre-Covid-19 pandemic numbers.

Sheikh Ayman bin Ahmed Al Hosani, CEO of Oman Airports Company, confirmed to Oman News Agency that the company is in continuous discussion with airlines to activate its gradual routes and return the number of flights in Oman airports to before the pandemic.

He explains that work is currently underway to motivate airlines operating in Oman's airports to add more capacity and increase their flights to and from Oman's airports, and to provide a comprehensive incentive plan for long and short flights to new, chartered and seasonal destinations, and new cargo operators.

Al Hosani said that in 2019, Oman’s airports witnessed 17.2 million passengers, while in 2021, after the first wave of the pandemic, airports recovered 40 per cent of passenger traffic, and are currently working with operating airlines to increase their flights through Oman’s airports and reach the numbers of 2019; which may take another two to three years, but thanks to the efforts of all partners in the travel and tourism sectors and the promising economic potential, these percentages and numbers will double and support the rate of recovery.

He pointed out that after the outbreak of the pandemic, many airlines have taken strict strategic decisions in their operating model, and some airlines still consider Sohar Airport a strong commercial opportunity to resume work or start operating. Sohar Airport is the gateway to the North Al Batinah Governorate and is one of the drivers of its many investment and tourism opportunities.

Sheikh Ayman bin Ahmed Al Hosani, CEO of Oman Airports Company, said that Duqm Airport is a gateway to the industrial, commercial and tourism movement of the Al Wusta Governorate. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is witnessing the establishment of a number of large economic projects, which will allow the airport commercial capabilities for international airlines to operate a direct flight to and from Duqm, indicating that six weekly flights are currently operated by Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman.