Oman Airports Expands Route Opportunities for Airlines
Our Route Opportunities feature highlights the latest unserved and underserved routes promoted through Routes 360, providing valuable insights for airline network planners seeking to capitalize on emerging markets.
Oman Airports manages several key civil airports in Oman, including Muscat International Airport (MCT), Salalah Airport (SLL), Duqm Airport (DQM), and Sohar Airport (OHS). In 2023, Oman Airports recorded a total of 14.2 million passengers, with Muscat and Salalah airports experiencing consistent year-on-year growth throughout the year.
Muscat International Airport is a significant hub, served by 36 airlines and offering connections to over 80 airports globally. Handling more than 12.6 million passengers annually, MCT has seen increased flight frequencies on existing routes as well as the introduction of new services across the GCC region, Asia, and Africa. Notably, Oman Air has launched seasonal services to Zurich (ZRH), Trabzon (TZX), and Male (MLE). Additionally, Pakistan’s Fly Jinnah commenced its first flights to MCT from Islamabad in May 2024.
This year, five new airlines have begun operations from GCC and African destinations to Muscat International Airport. Salam Air has initiated seasonal services from MCT to several destinations, including Almaty International Airport (ALA) in Kazakhstan with three weekly flights, Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Azerbaijan with two weekly flights, and Trabzon Airport (TZX) in Turkey with seven weekly flights. The carrier has also commenced seasonal operations to Tirana International Airport (TIA) in Albania and Sphinx International Airport (SPX) in Giza, Egypt, with three weekly flights. Additionally, Salam Air operates a route from MCT to Bacha Khan International Airport (PEW) in Peshawar, Pakistan, with twice-weekly flights.
Muscat International Airport has earned recognition for its customer service excellence, winning the ‘Best Airport in Customer Service 2023’ award among Middle Eastern airports with 15-20 million passengers, as recognized by the Airport Council International (ACI). MCT also topped AirHealth International’s global rankings, underscoring its commitment to providing a high-quality travel experience.
In terms of cargo services, Oman Airports has noted a significant increase in cargo throughput, with MCT experiencing a 7% rise in 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth reflects the airport’s efforts to enhance its cargo offerings alongside passenger services.
As a member of Routes 360, the only digital platform dedicated to route development, Muscat International Airport has uploaded multiple route opportunities, seeking to expand its international offerings, particularly within Europe and Asia.
Unserved Routes
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Budapest Airport (BUD)
- Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
- Saint Petersburg Airport, Pulkovo (LED)
- Shanghai International Airport (PVG)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Beirut-Rafic Al Hariri International Airport (BEY)
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
- Sarajevo International Airport (SJJ)
- Changi Airport Group (SIN)
- Vienna Airport (VIE)
- Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (TSE)
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Underserved Routes
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Almaty International Airport (ALA)
- Zurich Airport (ZRH)
- Moscow Domodedovo Airport (DME)
- Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
- Maldives Airports Company Limited (MLE)
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- Sheremetyevo A.S. Pushkin International Airport (SVO)
By focusing on these unserved and underserved routes, Oman Airports is poised to enhance its connectivity and attract more airlines, paving the way for growth and improved service in the region.
Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=Oman+Airports
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Oman Airports