Oman’s airport traffic in 2025 shows both challenges and strong signs of recovery, with new data revealing how tourism and infrastructure investments are shaping the country’s travel sector. As of July 28, 2025, Oman’s airports and tourism industry are seeing important changes that affect travelers, businesses, and the wider economy.
Passenger Traffic Trends in 2025
From January to May 2025, Oman’s four main airports—Muscat International Airport, Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm—handled 5,790,010 passengers. This number is a 3% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 5,968,622 passengers traveled through these airports. However, June 2025 brought a positive shift, with a 2% year-on-year increase and 1,134,924 travelers. This uptick suggests that the earlier decline may be temporary and that the sector is bouncing back.
Breaking down the numbers, Muscat International Airport remains the busiest, serving 5,207,005 passengers from January to May 2025, though this is a 3.5% drop from last year. Salalah Airport, on the other hand, saw growth, with 557,298 passengers—a 6.7% increase. Sohar and Duqm airports experienced declines, with Sohar handling only 336 passengers (down 98.8%) and Duqm 25,371 passengers (down 1.2%).
Flight movements also reflect these trends. Muscat International Airport recorded a 7.5% drop in flights (37,307), while Salalah’s flights dipped slightly by 0.3% (3,717). These changes highlight how different airports in Oman are affected by shifting travel patterns and regional factors.
Tourism Sector Growth and Economic Impact
Tourism continues to play a vital role in Oman’s economy. In 2025, the travel and tourism sector is expected to generate RO 3.5 billion for the national economy, showing steady growth. By February 2025, Oman welcomed 668,205 visitors, and in May alone, there were 252,240 arrivals. Although this is lower than April’s 306,880 arrivals, the overall trend remains positive.
Hotel revenues also reflect this growth. In 2024, three- to five-star hotels earned OMR 243.4 million (about $633 million), and this number is expected to rise in 2025. Investments in tourism are strong, with $6.7 billion attracted out of a $7.8 billion target for the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). Since 2024, Oman has signed 45 usufruct agreements for new hotels, eco-camps, and resorts, including 14 agreements in 2025.
Infrastructure Developments and Property Market
Oman is investing heavily in airport upgrades, especially at Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport. These improvements have increased capacity and made travel more comfortable, supporting both tourism and the property market. New tourism projects, like luxury eco-camps and integrated tourism complexes (ITCs) such as Al Mouj Muscat and Muscat Bay, are open to foreign ownership and offer full property rights. This approach makes Oman more attractive to international investors and travelers.
Key Stakeholders and Official Statements
The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism leads efforts to diversify Oman’s tourism offerings, focusing on sustainable development, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and creating jobs. The Oman Airports Management Company continues to invest in airport infrastructure and passenger experience. Recent statements from the company highlight the positive impact of tourism events and promotional campaigns on airport traffic.
Amira Iqbal Al Lawati, Director General of Tourism Development, has emphasized the importance of private sector partnerships. She notes that new projects should benefit local communities and reflect Omani identity, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and sustainable.
Policy Changes and Practical Implications
The government has made it easier for foreigners to invest in tourism and real estate, especially in ITCs. There are no property taxes and foreigners enjoy full ownership rights in these complexes. The integrated tourism development plan aims to increase hotel room capacity, improve service quality, and offer more diverse tourism experiences, such as ecotourism and adventure tourism.
Oman has also streamlined visa processes for key source markets, including India, Pakistan, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This makes it easier for travelers from these countries to visit Oman, supporting further growth in airport traffic and tourism.
For more information about Oman’s tourism policies and investment opportunities, readers can visit the official Ministry of Heritage and Tourism website.
Passenger Demographics at Muscat International Airport
In May 2025, the top three nationalities traveling through Muscat International Airport were:
- Indian nationals: 193,861 passengers (85,447 arrivals, 108,414 departures)
- Omani nationals: 108,916 passengers (54,086 arrivals, 54,830 departures)
- Pakistani nationals: 46,930 passengers (21,267 arrivals, 25,663 departures)
These numbers show the strong ties between Oman and countries like India and Pakistan, as well as the importance of the airport as a hub for both local and international travelers.
Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives
Aviation experts say that the slight drop in total passenger numbers early in 2025 is likely due to temporary factors, such as changes in regional travel and airline schedules. They expect continued growth as tourism fundamentals remain strong and infrastructure investments continue. Tourism analysts point out that Oman’s focus on authentic experiences, rather than mass-market tourism, is helping the country grow in a sustainable way and increase property values.
The real estate market is also benefiting from the tourism boom. The sector is expected to grow from $4.78 billion in 2025 to $7.42 billion by 2030, driven by demand for both residential and hospitality properties.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
Authorities expect further increases in airport traffic in the second half of 2025, especially during the Khareef (monsoon) season in Salalah, which attracts over 1 million visitors each year. New tourism infrastructure projects are underway, which will boost capacity and make Oman even more appealing as a regional travel hub.
Oman’s Vision 2040 aims for tourism to contribute 5% of GDP by 2030 and 10% by 2040, focusing on sustainable, high-value tourism that benefits both the economy and local communities.
What This Means for Travelers and Investors
For travelers, Oman’s improved airport facilities, easier visa processes, and growing tourism options make it an attractive destination. For investors, the country’s open property market, strong tourism growth, and government support offer many opportunities.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Oman’s airport traffic in 2025 reflects both short-term changes and a strong long-term path forward, thanks to smart investments and policies.
Key Contacts and Resources
- Ministry of Heritage and Tourism: www.mht.gov.om
- Oman Airports Management Company: www.omanairports.co.om
- National Centre for Statistics and Information: www.ncsi.gov.om
Oman’s focus on sustainable tourism, infrastructure upgrades, and friendly investment policies is setting the stage for continued growth in airport traffic and the wider economy. Travelers and investors alike can expect more opportunities as the country continues to develop its tourism sector and airport facilities.
Learn Today
Muscat International Airport → Oman’s busiest airport, serving millions of passengers and central to the country’s air travel.
Usufruct Agreements → Legal contracts granting rights to use and develop property, commonly for tourism projects.
Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC) → Designated areas where foreigners can fully own property and invest in tourism infrastructure.
Khareef Season → Monsoon period in Salalah attracting over one million visitors annually during summer months.
Vision 2040 → Oman’s strategic development plan aiming for sustainable economic growth and tourism contribution.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oman’s 2025 airport traffic shows a brief decline yet signals recovery amid robust tourism growth and infrastructure upgrades. Muscat remains busiest, with increased investments attracting global visitors. Policy reforms ease foreign property ownership and visas, supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 goal for sustainable economic and tourism expansion.
— By VisaVerge.com
