Passenger Numbers Rise in Oman Airports Despite Fewer Flights in 2025

Passenger traffic through airports in Oman increased by 2.8 percent in 2025, reaching 14.9 million travelers by the end of December, up from 14.5 million the previous year, according to data from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, as reported by Oman News Agency.

The rise in passenger numbers came even as total flight movements across the country’s airports fell by 2.8 percent to 104,510 flights, compared with 107,546 flights in 2024. This suggests higher load factors and more efficient route planning by airlines.

Muscat International Airport, the country’s busiest hub, recorded a decline in international flights, which fell 4.5 percent to 82,913 in 2025 from 86,797 in 2024. Despite the drop, international passenger numbers rose 1.3 percent to 11.8 million, compared with 11.6 million the previous year. Domestic operations at Muscat showed stronger growth, with flights increasing 6.6 percent to 9,606 and passenger numbers climbing 12 percent to 1.3 million.

Salalah Airport also reported mixed results. International flights fell 2.4 percent to 4,886 from 5,008 in 2024, while international passenger numbers remained stable at around 678,591. Domestic operations recorded robust growth, with flights rising 14.3 percent to 6,227 and domestic passenger traffic increasing 17.7 percent to 1,023,529, up from 869,954 in 2024.

Sohar Airport experienced a sharp contraction in international traffic, with flights dropping 77.8 percent to just 110 in 2025, down from 495 the year before. International passenger numbers plummeted 99.1 percent to 390 travelers, compared with 44,897 in 2024. Domestic flights at Sohar also fell 9.1 percent to 150, and passenger numbers decreased 21.8 percent to 18,247.

Duqm Airport reported minor declines, with domestic flights edging down 0.6 percent to 618 and passenger numbers slipping 0.4 percent to 60,893.

Overall, the data indicates steady growth in passenger demand across Oman’s main airports, led primarily by domestic travel. Airlines appear to have reduced flight frequencies while improving operational efficiency, allowing them to accommodate more passengers per flight.

Analysts note that the increase in passenger volumes, particularly on domestic routes, reflects ongoing demand for regional connectivity and tourism within the Sultanate. Muscat and Salalah remain the most active airports, while smaller hubs like Sohar and Duqm continue to experience fluctuations tied to international route planning and seasonal demand.

The figures highlight how Oman’s aviation sector is balancing rising passenger numbers with network optimization, aiming to maintain efficient operations while supporting travel and tourism growth across the country.