Established by Royal Decree No. (33/2012), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has rapidly evolved on both the institutional and regulatory fronts, positioning itself at the heart of Oman’s aviation development and affirming its role as a central driver of Oman Vision 2040.

The CAA’s efforts have firmly reinforced the role of civil aviation in comprehensive national development by supporting tourism, attracting investment, and enhancing international logistical connectivity, in addition to driving macroeconomic growth.

As a result, the civil aviation sector has become one of the principal engines of Oman’s national economy.

The sector directly stimulates tourism and investment through a fully integrated airport infrastructure and by connecting the Sultanate with an expanding network of regional and international destinations.

 In this context, the CAA works closely with airport operators and both national and international airlines to open new routes to key markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa, facilitating travel for passengers, tourists, and investors, and supporting the growth of the hospitality, travel, and logistics sectors.

In line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the Authority has focused on maximizing the Sultanate’s geographic advantage as an emerging regional and global logistics hub.

This includes developing Oman’s airports into strategic nodes for passenger and cargo connectivity, as well as enhancing domestic links to stimulate inter-governorate tourism.

Air traffic transiting Oman’s airspace rose by 14% at the end of 2024, reaching 530,300 aircraft compared to 465,100 in 2023—a positive reflection of the CAA’s efforts and its role in advancing economic diversification under Vision 2040.

Total actual revenues of the CAA for 2024 reached 105.31 million Omani rials, the highest in its history and a 43% increase over the 2023 figure of 73.39 million rials. This places the Authority among the top five government entities in revenue generation—an indicator of its operational efficiency and significant economic contribution.

The CAA is also strengthening partnerships with the private sector across aviation and airport services, including ground handling, maintenance, cargo, and catering.

These partnerships align with Oman’s direction to empower the private sector to manage vital facilities, raise service efficiency, and adopt advanced operational technologies.

These efforts have helped attract local and international investment to build modern maintenance facilities and develop integrated logistics zones within airport premises, generating job opportunities and increasing national economic value-added.

The CAA’s regulatory policies have also improved the investment climate by streamlining procedures, applying competitive licensing standards, encouraging new operators, and enhancing cooperation with low-cost carriers to support inbound tourism.

Through this integrated approach, Oman’s civil aviation sector continues to consolidate its role as a strategic pillar of economic diversification and as a thriving regional hub linking East and West, contributing meaningfully to tourism, logistics, and sustainable investment.

Safest Skies:

To make Omani airspace among the safest and most efficient in the region, the CAA has implemented advanced aeronautical technologies and upgraded ground radar networks, communications stations, and navigational aids (NAVAIDs).

 These enhancements have increased surveillance accuracy and smoothened safe air traffic flow in and beyond Omani airspace, in line with ICAO recommendations.

Green Transition and Airport Sustainability:

The CAA’s strategies incorporate operational sustainability—covering infrastructure maintenance, energy efficiency, and continuity of digital operations—alongside internal governance frameworks that enhance institutional performance and track safety- and service-related KPIs.

Aligned with Oman’s national direction toward a green economy and net-zero targets, the CAA and airport operators have adopted several green transition initiatives, including solar power systems, smart energy and lighting management, and the replacement of operational vehicles with environmentally friendly electric models.

Airports have implemented carbon-footprint measurement programs and developed emission-reduction plans consistent with international standards and ICAO’s CORSIA program.

Legislation and Digital Transformation:

The Authority has issued regulatory frameworks and procedures for licensing (including training centre certification), and updated operational and maintenance requirements strengthening the sector’s oversight environment.

A dedicated Digital Transformation Program has been launched to expand e-services, improve Oman’s ranking in global e-government indices, and establish sustainable digital infrastructure.

 More than 100 e-services were redesigned, a new version of the meteorology website and mobile app was launched, and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) was deployed. Air navigation and meteorology services achieved full (100%) digitalization in several areas, reducing paperwork and accelerating services for both institutions and individuals.

Progress in International Indicators:

These sustained efforts have elevated Oman’s global standing in aviation safety. ICAO’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP) showed Oman exceeding global averages in compliance with international standards evidence of a strong national safety and regulatory framework.

The Authority applies a proactive State Safety Program (SSP), sets clear national safety policies, and conducts continuous oversight and inspections of airlines, airports, and air navigation service providers to ensure full compliance with ICAO standards.

The CAA has also adopted predictive safety frameworks based on data analytics to identify potential risks before they arise.

In aviation security, the Authority developed the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP), harmonizing security procedures across all Omani airports and enforcing the highest inspection and screening standards for passengers, cargo, and operational facilities.

Regular audits are carried out with ICAO and regional inspection bodies to verify the effectiveness of implemented measures.

The CAA has also deployed smart inspection and digital monitoring systems that enhance real-time risk tracking and compliance oversight. Continuous training program for inspectors and security professionals—delivered through accredited regional and international centers ensure alignment with evolving global standards.

As a result, Oman is now a regional leader in aviation safety oversight and security efficiency, strengthening international confidence in its aviation ecosystem.

This contributed to the Sultanate receiving the prestigious ICAO Council President Certificate, awarded during the opening of the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal.

Oman also achieved an unprecedented leap in global aviation safety compliance rankings, rising from 133rd in 2020 to 5th globally, 2nd in the region, and 2nd in the GCC, with an Effective Implementation (EI) score of 95.95% across eight key safety oversight areas.

These achievements stem from the CAA’s far-reaching reforms, including updated legislation, sector restructuring, recruitment of national and international expertise, modernized regulatory systems, licensing of personnel and maintenance stations, bilateral agreements, and strengthened aviation security and airport safety controls.

Drone Operations and Airspace Management:

Keeping pace with global developments, the Authority launched the “Sarab Platform,” an advanced digital system for registering and managing unmanned aircraft (drones).

The first phase serves hobbyists, enabling registration, data entry, knowledge testing, licensing, and operation within pre-designated safe zones in coordination with military and security partners.

The platform responds to the rapid increase in drone usage and accelerates permits and registration while ensuring safe monitoring and cyber-secure operations through local servers and locally developed algorithms.

 Muscat International Airport – Southern Runway:

The southern runway at Muscat International Airport has entered full operation after receiving CAA certification. Designed to support both international and domestic traffic, the 4-kilometre-long, 45-metre-wide runway can accommodate all aircraft types, including the Airbus A380.

The runway incorporates 24-hour LED lighting with advanced control systems, reduces energy consumption, supports flexible takeoff and landing patterns under ICAO requirements, and minimizes noise impact in surrounding areas.

 Passenger Rights:

The CAA has issued the Passenger Rights Regulation pursuant to Royal Decree 65/2006 (ratifying the Montreal Convention), Royal Decree 76/2019 (Civil Aviation Law), and the Executive Regulations issued by Decision 116/2023.

The Regulation aims to close gaps in existing rules, respond to new developments, enhance the travel experience to and from Oman, and strengthen passenger confidence in the Authority’s commitment to protecting their rights.

The Regulation consists of 62 articles addressing passenger and carrier obligations, rights of persons with disabilities and special needs, delays and cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, downgrading, denied boarding, and administrative penalties.

 Meteorology:

The CAA also attaches great importance to the development of meteorology and early-warning systems as part of its responsibility to protect lives and property and support national emergency management.

A comprehensive upgrade of meteorological infrastructure has been implemented, including automated weather stations across Oman linked to a modern national center for monitoring and analysis. Advanced radar systems, satellite technology, and high-resolution numerical weather prediction models ensure swift and accurate tracking of weather events.

Within the multi-hazard early-warning system, the Authority has developed advanced mechanisms for issuing alerts and real-time reports via digital communication technologies, SMS notifications, mobile applications, and the official meteorology website.

Operational integration with relevant authorities has been strengthened to enable timely information exchange and pre-emptive decision-making.

Digital transformation in meteorology has advanced significantly through revamped online platforms, a dedicated national meteorology mobile app providing live data and forecasts, interactive maps, and big-data analytics for high-precision forecasting. Open climate-data platforms are also being developed for use by government entities, researchers, and academic institutions.

Regionally and internationally, Oman through the CAA has reinforced its role as an active member of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and a leading participant in GCC and regional programs for data exchange and joint monitoring of tropical cyclones and Arabian Sea weather systems.

The Authority also contributes to global climate-monitoring programs and joint disaster-preparedness initiatives under UN and regional frameworks.

Through this integration of advanced technology, institutional coordination, and national capacity-building, the Civil Aviation Authority has built a modern, robust system for weather monitoring and early warning enhancing Oman’s readiness for severe weather hazards and supporting the sustainability and environmental-security goals of Oman Vision 2040.