Rising Airport Traffic Amid Fewer Flights: What This Means for Oman’s Aviation and Business Opportunities
MUSCAT: Passenger traffic through airports in the Sultanate of Oman increased by 2.8 percent in 2025, reaching 14,939,209 travelers by the end of December, up from 14,537,674 in 2024, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Despite this rise in passenger numbers, total aircraft movements dropped by 2.8 percent to 104,510 flights, compared to 107,546 flights the previous year. This decline reflects enhanced load factors and route optimization throughout the network.
At Muscat International Airport, international flights decreased by 4.5 percent to 82,913. However, passenger numbers on these flights rose by 1.3 percent to 11.84 million, indicating improved seat occupancy. Domestic operations at Muscat showed strong growth, with flights increasing by 6.6 percent to 9,606 and passenger numbers surging 12 percent to 1.32 million.
Salalah Airport presented mixed results. International flights fell by 2.4 percent to 4,886, while passenger numbers remained stable at approximately 678,591. Domestic traffic experienced significant growth, with flights up 14.3 percent and passenger numbers rising 17.7 percent to just over one million.
In contrast, Suhar Airport experienced a sharp decline in international activity, with flights dropping 77.8 percent and passenger numbers falling 99.1 percent. Domestic services also saw a decrease.
Duqm Airport recorded slight declines in both flights and passenger numbers.
Overall, these figures highlight steady growth in passenger demand, particularly on domestic routes, underscoring aviation’s vital role in supporting tourism, connectivity, and economic development. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The rise in passenger traffic despite fewer aircraft movements signals improved efficiency and higher load factors in Oman’s aviation sector, presenting a clear opportunity for businesses in tourism and transport to capitalize on growing demand. Strong domestic travel growth highlights an expanding local market, urging investors to explore regional connectivity projects and related services. However, the sharp decline at Suhar Airport warns of potential risks in unbalanced regional development, calling for strategic planning in airport and infrastructure investments.
