:  The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) proudly celebrates the seventh anniversary of Muscat International Airport and the tenth anniversary of Salalah Airport ,two national cornerstones of Oman’s aviation infrastructure that embody the Authority’s continuous efforts to enhance the civil aviation sector and align it with the highest global standards and technologies.

This milestone celebration reaffirms the Authority’s pivotal role in developing a safe, efficient, and sustainable aviation environment that strengthens the competitiveness of Oman’s civil aviation sector and reinforces the Sultanate’s position as a leading regional hub. It also reflects the CAA’s commitment to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in achieving balanced and sustainable national development.

Since its inauguration on November 11, 2018, Muscat International Airport has cemented its standing as a key hub in Oman’s air transport network and a gateway connecting the Sultanate to the world.

Over the past seven years, Muscat International Airport  has achieved remarkable progress in international rankings, securing the eleventh place globally within its capacity category of 15 to 25 million passengers annually. The airport continues to witness steady growth in passenger numbers, having recorded more than 1.06 million travelers in October 2025 compared to 955,000 in the same period of 2024 ,an increase of 12 percent. Meanwhile, flight operations remained stable with approximately 8,000 flights during the same month.

As part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s strategic initiatives to enhance operational readiness and infrastructure efficiency, the southern runway project at Muscat International Airport was completed in 2024.

This project represents one of the airport’s most significant development achievements, designed to strengthen both international and domestic air traffic capacity by enabling multiple take-off and landing paths in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements.

Extending 4 kilometers in length and 45 meters in width, the runway is equipped with advanced lighting and control systems powered by energy-efficient LED technology, ensuring greater operational efficiency, sustainability, and full compliance with global safety standards.

In recognition of its service excellence, Muscat International Airport garnered several international awards in 2024, including Best Airport in the Middle East for the 5–15 million passengers category, Best Airport Staff in the Middle East for dedication and service, Easiest Airport Journey in the Middle East, and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.

The airport’s passenger terminal spans 580,000 square meters with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, expandable to 56 million, and is equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems and smart technologies to optimize operations and enhance the traveler experience.

Salalah Airport, which marks its tenth anniversary this year since opening on November 11, 2015, continues to serve as a vital link connecting Dhofar Governorate with other parts of the Sultanate and the wider world. It also plays a central role in supporting the growth of tourism in southern Oman.

The airport recorded over 104,000 passengers in October 2025 compared to 91,000 in October 2024, representing a 15 percent increase in passenger traffic, while aircraft movements rose by 8 percent during the same period.

Salalah Airport has maintained its global recognition and consistent excellence, holding a five-star rating from Skytrax since 2019 and advancing to fourth place worldwide among airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually. In 2024, the airport was further honored with five regional awards, including Best Airport in the Middle East for under two million passengers, Easiest Airport Journey, Best Airport Staff for dedication and service, Cleanest Airport, and Most Enjoyable Airport in the Middle East.

The Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the seventh anniversary of Muscat International Airport and the tenth anniversary of Salalah Airport represent milestones of national pride and accomplishment. These achievements reflect the Authority’s unwavering commitment to developing world-class airport infrastructure that meets international standards and reinforces Oman’s position as a strategic gateway connecting the nation to the world, while enhancing its competitive standing within the global aviation industry.