Oman’s aviation sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with latest data revealing a positive trend in air traffic through its major airports. By the end of November 2025, the Sultanate recorded an overall increase in passenger numbers, driven primarily by strong domestic travel and sustained international demand. This positive development, despite a slight dip in total flight numbers, underscores the ongoing recovery and expansion of Oman’s tourism and connectivity.
Muscat International Airport: Passenger Growth Amidst Flight Adjustments
Muscat International Airport, the primary gateway to Oman, experienced a notable 1.8 percent increase in passenger traffic, reaching 11,939,458 passengers by the end of November 2025. This figure represents a significant rise from the 11,731,430 passengers recorded during the same period in 2024. The growth indicates a continued appeal of Oman as a destination and a strengthening of its position as a regional travel hub.
International vs. Domestic Flight Trends
However, the overall number of flights through Muscat International Airport saw a slight decrease of 4.1 percent, totaling 84,296 flights compared to 87,911 flights in the previous year. This decline was largely attributed to a 5.2 percent reduction in international flights, which numbered 75,460. Despite this decrease in international flight frequency, passenger numbers on these flights actually increased by 0.7 percent, reaching 10,718,898 passengers. This suggests a shift towards higher passenger load factors on international routes.
Conversely, domestic flights experienced a robust surge, increasing by 6.7 percent to 8,836 flights. This growth was accompanied by a substantial 12.5 percent increase in domestic passenger numbers, reaching approximately 1,220,560 passengers. This strong performance in the domestic sector highlights the growing popularity of travel within Oman, potentially fueled by tourism initiatives and increased connectivity between Omani cities. The rise in domestic tourism is a key factor in the overall positive trend.
Salalah Airport: Continued Expansion in Passenger Numbers
Further south, Salalah Airport also demonstrated positive growth, with passenger numbers increasing by 10 percent to 1,574,296 passengers by the end of November 2025, compared to 1,431,756 passengers in 2024. This growth was supported by a 5.9 percent increase in the total number of flights, reaching 10,237 flights.
Analyzing Salalah’s Flight Data
While international flights through Salalah Airport experienced a slight decrease of 2.6 percent, totaling 4,489 flights with 622,198 passengers (a 0.7 percent decline), domestic flights showed significant expansion. Salalah Airport recorded 5,748 domestic flights, accompanied by a substantial increase in passenger numbers. This pattern mirrors the trend observed at Muscat International Airport, indicating a broader nationwide increase in domestic air travel.
Implications for Oman’s Aviation Sector and Tourism
The data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) paints a positive picture of Oman’s aviation sector. The increase in passenger numbers, particularly in the domestic market, demonstrates the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and connectivity within the Sultanate. The slight decrease in overall flight numbers, coupled with increased passenger loads, suggests airlines are optimizing their operations and utilizing capacity more efficiently.
The continued recovery and growth in domestic air travel are particularly encouraging, as they contribute to economic diversification and support local businesses. Stable international passenger demand further reinforces Oman’s position as a desirable tourist destination. Looking ahead, sustained investment in airport infrastructure and strategic partnerships with airlines will be crucial to maintaining this positive momentum and further enhancing Oman’s aviation industry.
These indicators suggest a healthy and evolving aviation landscape in Oman. For travelers planning a visit, or those considering exploring the Sultanate domestically, these figures highlight the increasing accessibility and convenience of air travel within the region. To learn more about travel options and destinations within Oman, visit the official tourism website or contact your preferred travel agent.
