Oman is increasing its global reach in the aviation industry, introducing new routes to Asia, Europe, and Africa due to the sultanate’s broadening its schedule to expand its transport, tourism, and logistics industry.
Oman News Agency reported that the Civil Aviation Authority, in collaboration with the airport operators and the national and international airlines, is expanding international connectivity in a larger effort to establish an integrated network of airports and enhance passenger and cargo transit throughout the entire country.
The growth promotes the long-term aviation policy of Oman that is expected to increase the gross domestic product contribution portrayed by 159 million Omani rials ($413 million) in 2018 to 890 million rials by 2030, by over sixfold.
Meanwhile, the plan also aims at managing 40 million passengers annually by 2030, which is twice compared to what was experienced in 2019.
The ONA report indicated that “The authority has focused on maximizing the benefits of Oman’s position as a regional and global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographic location on international air routes.”
It has been stated that “This is achieved through the development of Omani airports as key hubs for air connectivity and the transport of goods and passengers, facilitating domestic connections and encouraging tourism between the governorates.”
Therefore, aircraft drive through Omani airspace increased by 14 percent year-on-year, reaching 530,300 by the end of 2024.
The actual revenues of the Civil Aviation Authority had increased to about 105 million rials by the end of 2024, which is a 43 percent increase in comparison to revenues received in 2023.
This is an indication of its operational efficiency and a huge contribution to the economy. The authority is also striving to establish further partnerships with the private sector in other fields of aviation and airport services, such as ground handling, maintenance, air cargo, and catering.
These collaborations are in line with the national policy of empowering the private sector to manage and operate significant facilities, improve service delivery, and embrace the latest operational technologies.
These changes are facilitated by a series of high-technical additions in Omani airports, such as modernized air navigation systems, extended radar coverage, and digital platforms to enhance operational continuity.
The Civil Aviation Authority also promotes green initiatives, including solar-powered facilities and electric ground vehicles, to minimize emissions and ensure that the industry is in line with international sustainability standards.
