Thursday 12 / November / 2026
Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) celebrates the eighth anniversary of the opening of Muscat International Airport’s terminal building and the eleventh anniversary of the opening of Salalah Airport’s terminal building, recognizingthem as two of the most prominent national achievements in the civil aviation sector and key pillars of the Sultanate of Oman’s air transport system.
These achievements reflect the progress made in infrastructure, operational efficiency and service quality, as well as the airports’ pivotal role in strengthening air connectivity and supporting economic and tourism development.
This celebration comes amid the continuous development of Oman’s airport system and the achievements and international rankings it has attained, reflecting its competitiveness and quality of services.
These developments are aligned with the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy 2040 and Oman Vision 2040, which seek to promote economic diversification and consolidate the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a regional hub for air transport and logistics services.
Muscat International Airport: Eight Years of Development and Excellence
Since the opening of its new terminal building on 11 November 2018, Muscat International Airport has established itself as the Sultanate of Oman’s main gateway by air and one of the strategic pillars of the air transport system.
This position is underpinned by advanced infrastructure and modern technological facilities that enhance operational efficiency and accommodate growth in passenger and air traffic.
This progress was recognized through a series of international Airport Service Quality (ASQ) awards announced by Airports Council International (ACI) in March 2025. Muscat International Airport received the award for Best Airport in the Middle East in the category of airports handling between 5 and 15 million passengers annually, in addition to awards for Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.
These awards were based on the results of the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) program, which measures passenger experience and satisfaction with the services provided.
As part of efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance the readiness of the airport system, the Southern Runway Project at Muscat International Airport stands out as one of the most prominent development projects. It represents a significant addition to the airport’s operational capacity, enhancing air traffic efficiency and providing greater flexibility for take-off and landing operations, in accordance with the requirements and standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The runway extends four kilometers in length and 45 meters in width. It is equipped with advanced lighting and control systems incorporating energy-efficient LED technology, contributing to improved operational efficiency and enhanced safety and sustainability requirements.
The passenger terminal covers an area of 580,000 square meters and has an annual capacity of up to 20 million passengers, with the potential for future expansion to accommodate 56 million passengers.
It is also equipped with digital systems and smart technologies that contribute to improving operational efficiency and streamlining travel procedures.
Salalah Airport: Eleven Years of Excellence and Strengthening Tourism Appeal
On 11 November 2015, the opening of Salalah Airport’s terminal building marked an important milestone in the development of air transport infrastructure in Dhofar Governorate.
It enhanced the airport’s capacity to accommodate growth in passenger and air traffic and strengthened the governorate’s position as a regional and international tourist destination, particularly during the Khareef Dhofar season.
Salalah Airport has continued to achieve international recognition, reflecting the development of its services and the quality of the passenger experience. In June 2026, it retained its five-star rating from the international Skytrax organization for the second consecutive time, reaffirming its position among airports that deliver advanced standards of service quality, facilities and passenger experience in accordance with international benchmarks.
The airport also received a series of Airport Service Quality awards announced by Airports Council International in March 2025. These included the award for Best Airport in the Middle East in the category of airports handling fewer than two million passengers annually, in addition to awards for Most Dedicated Staff, Easiest Airport Journey, Most Enjoyable Airport and Cleanest Airport in the Middle East.
In a further achievement, Salalah Airport was included in the Airports Council International Director General’s Roll of Excellence for 2025, which recognizesa select group of airports worldwide for their outstanding service quality and passenger experience. This recognition reflects the airport’s continued excellence in performance and service delivery.
These achievements have been accompanied by the ongoing development of the airport’s facilities and services. In 2026, the new Majan Lounge was opened, recreational areas dedicated to families and children were upgraded, and retail options were expanded through the introduction of international brands and emerging Omani businesses. Improvements were also made to facilities and operational services to streamline procedures and enhance passenger comfort and satisfaction.
These achievements highlight Salalah Airport’s growing role as a key air gateway to Dhofar Governorate and its potential to support tourism and commercial activity, strengthen air connectivity, and attract more international flights and carriers, in line with the tourism and economic growth taking place across the governorate.
Two National Achievements Strengthening the Competitiveness of the Civil Aviation Sector
The Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the eighth anniversary of the opening of Muscat International Airport’s terminal building and the eleventh anniversary of the opening of Salalah Airport’s terminal building represent milestones in the journey of development and achievement in the civil aviation sector.
They reflect the progress made by Oman’s airport system in infrastructure, service quality and operational efficiency, which has strengthened its growing presence on the global aviation map.
The Authority also reaffirms its commitment to continuing its regulatory and supervisory role in upholding safety, security and efficiency standards, while supporting a competitive and integrated aviation environment that contributes to strengthening air connectivity, attracting investment, and supporting the economic, tourism and logistics sectors.
These efforts are aimed at achieving the objectives of the National Aviation Strategy 2040 and consolidating the Sultanate of Oman’s position on the global aviation map.
