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The Sultanate of Oman airports passenger traffic experienced a notable 2% increase in passenger traffic in June 2025, with over 1.13 million travelers passing through, marking a positive trend for regional aviation and tourism sectors. This surge underscores Oman’s growing appeal as both a transit hub and tourist destination in the Gulf region. This article will delve into the latest passenger traffic figures, relevant trends, and the broader implications for Oman and its GCC neighbors.
Growing Momentum in Oman’s Aviation Sector
The recent Oman airports passenger traffic 2% increase in passenger volume at Oman airports reflects steady growth despite global travel challenges. According to official reports, more than 1.13 million travelers passed through Omani airports in June 2025, signaling a robust rebound from previous declines witnessed earlier in the year. This growth is particularly significant given the broader GCC context, where airports strive to balance capacity expansion with evolving travel demand.
Muscat International Airport remains the principal gateway, handling the largest share of passenger throughput. Meanwhile, Salalah Airport also contributed strongly to overall traffic with a notable increase in recent months. This uptick is attributed to enhanced connectivity, expanded flight options, and Oman Air’s strategic focus on boosting point-to-point passengers, which have nearly tripled from June 2024 to June 2025, reinforcing the Sultanate’s position as a direct travel destination rather than just a layover hub.
Latest Statistics and Market Drivers
National statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) reveal that passenger traffic at Oman airports passenger traffic airports has benefited from a combination of:
- A 2% year-on-year increase in travelers for June 2025, crossing the 1.13 million mark.
- Oman Air’s aggressive expansion, including new routes such as Amsterdam and double-daily flights to London planned for late 2025.
- The rise in point-to-point passengers, now constituting 58% of Oman Air’s flight loads, a proportion significantly higher than other GCC airlines.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, commented on this milestone:
“Our focused network strategy and marketing efforts have driven more direct visitor arrivals, supporting Oman’s tourism goals and strengthening revenue streams.”
While Muscat International Airport accounted for the majority of traffic, Salalah Airport showed a 6.2% growth rate, indicating rising interest in southern Oman’s Dhofar region. Conversely, smaller airports like Sohar and Duqm experienced decreases in flight movements and passenger numbers, highlighting areas for potential future development.
Regional Impact and GCC Context
The positive trend at Oman airports passenger traffic reflects broader Gulf region dynamics where air travel is pivotal to economic diversification and tourism growth. For instance:
- UAE airports continue to invest in infrastructure to sustain Emirates and Etihad’s global connectivity.
- Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals by expanding airport capacity and promoting tourism.
- Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain are similarly focused on optimizing air travel infrastructure to capture increased passenger volumes.
Oman airports passenger traffic growth complements these regional efforts by improving direct international access and leveraging its strategic location on the Arabian Peninsula. The country’s targeted tourism campaigns, along with Oman Air’s network expansion, position it as a competitive player in GCC aviation.
For detailed insights on how Gulf airports are evolving, see The Credible Story’s coverage of GCC Aviation Trends 2025 and The Rise of Point-to-Point Travel in the Gulf.
Outlook: Oman’s Aviation Growth Trajectory
The sustained 2% increase in Oman airports passenger traffic passenger traffic in June 2025 underscores Oman’s positive momentum in aviation and tourism. Continued investments in airport infrastructure, combined with Oman Air’s strategic route expansions, are likely to propel further growth. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these trends will support Oman’s goal to attract millions more travelers annually in the coming years.
As global travel normalizes and regional connectivity improves, Oman is well-positioned to capitalize on this upward trajectory, enhancing its status as a key Gulf travel hub and tourist destination.
External Sources
- Oman National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) — official passenger traffic statistics
- Oman Air Press Release, July 2025 — recent strategy and network developments
- Gulf Aviation Market Reports, 2025
