Muscat: Officials report an 18 per cent increase in the number of passengers traveling though Muscat International Airport in June 2016, including those in transit. Figures show 5,694,468 passengers used Muscat International Airportthis past June, compared to 4,844,348 passengers in June 2015.
Figures in June 2016 reported 2,864,137 arriving passengers, an increase of 18 per cent, compared to 2,428,167 arrivals during the same period in 2015.
Also, the number of departing passengers rose 18 per cent, with 2,823,013 departing passengers during June 2016, compared to 2,396,804 in June 2015.
The increase in all passengers at Muscat International Airport was attributed to the overall risein flights operating at Muscat International Airport, including those from Kuwait Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines and KLM.
Statistics also show an increase inair freight handled at Muscat International Airport in 2016. Aviation statistics from June 2016 reported the handling of 74,875 tons of freight, compared to 66,508 tonnes in June 2015.
Of note, Salalah Airport witnessed a 13 per cent increase in passengers,with 492,964 passengersin June 2016, compared to 435,568 passengers in 2015. Air freight, however, decreased at Salalah Airport, with a 21 per cent drop, as 666 tonnes was handled in June 2016, compared to 841 tonnes in June 2015.