Old Muscat Airport to Become a Leisure and Commercial Destination

June 30, 2025
The former Muscat International Airport is set to be transformed into a vibrant aviation-themed leisure and commercial hub, with proposals including an aviation museum, shopping malls, restaurants, and various public attractions.

Naif bin Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), revealed that several investment proposals have been submitted to breathe new life into the historic site. “We aim to develop the site into a commercially viable destination while preserving its aviation heritage,” he said, adding that Oman Airports is currently reviewing submissions to select the most strategic plan.

Al Abri also highlighted the strong performance of Oman’s aviation sector in 2024, which saw revenues reach 105 million Omani rials (approx. USD 272 million). He noted that over 540,300 aircraft transited Omani airspace last year — a 14% increase from 2023 — while passenger traffic rose by 2%, with more than 120,000 flights recorded. Air cargo volumes surpassed 150,000 tonnes, underscoring Oman’s growing role in regional logistics.

During a 12-day period of regional instability, Oman accommodated numerous diverted international flights, leading to a 28% spike in air traffic.

To support growth, the CAA issued operating permits to 19 foreign airlines in 2024. Infrastructure upgrades included a new air navigation radar in Jalan Bani Bu Ali, implementation of operational manuals at Duqm and Marmul airports, and reinforcement of aviation security and cybersecurity protocols.

The national meteorological network was expanded to 80 monitoring stations, enhancing Oman’s weather forecasting capabilities. The CAA also resolved 520 customer complaints last year, reflecting its commitment to service excellence.