The Sultanate of Oman will be hosting the first GCC Airports CEOs Forum at St. Regis Al Mouj, Muscat on September 18. The forum aims to deepen cooperation between airports in the GCC countries to drive economic growth and develop the aviation sector in the region. The goal is to benefit the people of the GCC and enhance economic integration. The forum will support the shared goals of the GCC countries by fostering bilateral coordination and achieving comprehensive and sustainable economic development. It aligns with the strategic focus of the Gulf region on investing in infrastructure and improving services to accommodate the expected growth in air travel and aviation.
Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports, welcomed the participation of the CEOs of GCC airports in this forum. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration between Gulf airports. The forum will explore cooperation in areas such as innovation, digital transformation, expertise exchange in human resources and talent development, enhancing safety and security, and tapping into the potential of young people in innovation and excellence. Al Hosni highlighted the progress made by GCC airports, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and reflecting strategic planning and continuous investment in the sector.
Reports from international institutions, such as Fitch Ratings, confirm that the aviation sector in the GCC continues to grow, supported by massive investments and ambitious infrastructure plans. Air travel across GCC airports increased by 20% in 2023, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels by 8%. The plans of the GCC countries aim to double air traffic by 2030 through infrastructure development and operational capacity enhancement. Oman plans to add six new airports by 2028-2029, increasing the capacity to around 50 million passengers annually, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to strengthen the Sultanate’s position as a regional hub for air transport.
Muscat and Salalah airports have witnessed significant growth in passenger numbers, with the government investing millions of Omani riyals in developing transport and aviation infrastructure to support sustainable growth. GCC airports play a crucial role in the global aviation sector due to their unique geographical location, connecting continents and serving as key links in international air traffic. A potential GCC aviation bloc, which may be formalized during the forum, will strengthen the global standing of these airports by consolidating joint cooperation and developing infrastructure, opening the door to broader economic and investment opportunities.
This regional collaboration not only enhances economic integration among GCC countries but also supports sustainable growth and develops the aviation sector for future generations. It ensures that Gulf countries maintain a leading position in the aviation field at both regional and international levels. The forum will provide an important platform for CEOs of GCC airports to come together, share expertise, and work towards common goals to drive economic growth and development in the region.
