Oman’s Aviation Strategy 2040: What the Airport Infrastructure Boost Means for Investors and Businesses
Muscat: The recently unveiled National Aviation Strategy 2040 places strong emphasis on advancing airport infrastructure and significantly improving the passenger experience.
The strategy’s primary pillar centers on transforming airports to provide exceptional user experiences through well-designed infrastructure, top-tier services, and efficient, sustainable operations.
Currently, airports across Oman serve over 15 million passengers annually, with projections aiming to accommodate more than 40 million passengers by 2040. Key plans include the construction of a new airport in Musandam and the expansion of the terminal building in Suhar.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the strategy will span 15 years, beginning with phase one in 2026–2027. This initial phase focuses on initiation and preparedness, incorporating 17 vital initiatives. These include establishing the organizational framework, updating legislation, and implementing a robust governance model, alongside urgent operational improvements.
Phase one also involves redesigning operational processes at Muscat International Airport, enhancing passenger connectivity at Muscat and Salalah airports, and providing aircraft catering and maintenance services at local airports in response to commercial demand. Moreover, the strategy supports developing heavy aircraft maintenance capabilities within Oman.
The plan further encompasses revising and modernizing aviation economic regulations, as well as continuously elevating safety and security standards throughout the civil aviation sector.
Enhancing airport operational efficiency and service quality is another key objective, achieved by applying effective operational and development models that optimize existing infrastructure usage.
The strategy aims to boost the attractiveness and competitiveness of Omani airports by expanding commercial products and services, offering incentives to airlines, and fostering growth in passenger and cargo markets.
In a related development, Oman Airports has signed a strategic agreement with Singapore’s Changi Airport to enhance commercial and aviation revenues across the Sultanate’s airports. Under this partnership, Changi Airport will offer practical solutions to increase revenue, including long-term strategies focused on land leasing and the creation of themed activity zones.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The National Aviation Strategy 2040 presents a transformative growth opportunity for Oman’s aviation sector, aiming to more than double passenger capacity to 40 million. Businesses should capitalize on expanding airport infrastructure and enhanced passenger services, while investors eyeing aviation-linked sectors—such as aircraft maintenance, catering, and commercial developments—must align with the phased strategy rollout. The partnership with Changi Airport signals a strategic push towards global best practices and revenue diversification, underscoring the importance of innovation and operational efficiency for sustained competitive advantage.
