Oman is expanding its global aviation footprint with new air routes to Asia, Europe and Africa as the Sultanate accelerates plans to scale its transport, tourism and logistics sectors. The Sultanate’s Civil Aviation Authority, working with airport operators and national as well as international airlines, is widening international connectivity as part of a broader push to build an integrated airport network and strengthen passenger and cargo movement across the country, reported the Oman News Agency (ONA).
The expansion supports Oman’s long-term aviation strategy, which aims to raise the sector’s GDP contribution from 159 million Omani rials (USD 413 million) in 2018 to 890 million rials by 2030, a more than sixfold increase. The strategy also targets handling 40 million passengers annually by 2030, double the levels recorded in 2019.
“The authority has focused on maximising the benefits of Oman’s position as a regional and global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic geographic location on international air routes. 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,” the ONA reported.
The development comes amid the good news of the Sultanate’s aviation sector experiencing a remarkable revenue surge. In 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman (CAA) reported a staggering 43% increase in revenue, reaching a total of RO 105.31 million compared to 2023’s RO 73.39 million.
Oman has continued to implement a broader strategy to establish itself as a regional aviation hub, leveraging its geographic location and world-class infrastructure.
According to the analysts, the latest revenue numbers will have far-reaching implications, strengthening the Sultanate’s position in global tourism, cargo logistics, and international investment.
The number of aircraft movements in Omani airspace surged by 14% in 2024, marking over 530,300 aircraft movements compared to 465,100 in 2023. Apart from expanding its network by establishing new air routes, which have connected the Gulf nation to major cities in Asia, Europe, and Africa, there has been a parallel rise in domestic flights and routes between Oman’s major cities, through a network of smaller regional airports.
The Oman Civil Aviation Authority has also facilitated partnerships with both full-service and low-cost carriers, increasing the volume of tourists and business travellers flying into the Sultanate.
The nation is also positioning itself as a regional logistics and cargo hub, capitalising on its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia. The expansion of cargo services is contributing significantly to the increase in aviation sector-related revenue flow.