Staff Reporter
Muscat, June 18
Muscat International and Salalah Airports are witnessing significant increase in the number of flights by new airlines. Shaikh Ayman bin Ahmed al Hosani, CEO of Oman Airports Company, said that the company is in talks with airlines to increase the frequency of flights to pre Covid-19 levels and to provide a comprehensive incentive plan for long and short flights to new, chartered and seasonal destinations, and attract new cargo operators.
Al Hosani said that in 2019, Oman’s airports witnessed 17.2 million passengers, while in 2021, after the first wave of the pandemic, airports recovered 40 per cent of passenger traffic. The company is working with airlines to increase their flights, which may take another two to three years. He said that thanks to the efforts of all partners in the travel and tourism sectors and the promising economic potential, the numbers will double and support the rate of recovery. He pointed out that after the outbreak of the pandemic, many airlines have taken strict strategic decisions in their operating model, and some airlines still consider Suhar Airport a strong commercial opportunity to resume work or start operating.
Suhar Airport is the gateway to the North Al Batinah Governorate and is one of the drivers of its many investment and tourism opportunities. Shaikh Al Hosani said that Duqm Airport is a gateway to the industrial, commercial and tourism movement of the Al Wusta Governorate.
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is witnessing the establishment of a number of large economic projects, which will allow international airlines to operate direct flights to and from Duqm. Six weekly flights are operated by Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman.