Muscat: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently unveiled plans for the expansion of Sohar International Airport and the development of a new airport in Musandam.
Tenders have been floated for the construction of a new passenger terminal at Sohar Airport.
Engineer Salem Al Harashi, head of the airport project team at CAA, said that all studies related to the approved site for Musandam Airport have been completed and that a comprehensive assessment has been carried out in coordination with economic partners.
The implementation plan for this project is expected to be approved later this year.
Harisi said that the technical and financial studies for the tender for engineering design and supervision of regional airports in Jabal Al Akhdar, Ras Al Hadd and Masirah have been completed.
It is noteworthy that R400 million of this budget is earmarked for the promotion of major economic transformation projects, including projects within the civil aviation sector.
Significant developments planned for the sector include the tender process for the expansion of the Sohar Airport Passenger Terminal, the implementation of the Oman Airspace Strategy Project, and the completion of the aircraft maintenance building and cargo facilities at Muscat International Airport.
In addition, consulting studies are continuing for the construction of a spare runway at Salalah International Airport.
Musandam airport
The Musandam Airport project will be progressed in stages. The first stage will feature a 45 meter wide runway. In addition to the control tower, runway (2,520 meters long and 45 meters wide), taxiway, fire station, equipment repair shop, maritime rescue station, and aircraft parking lot, a passenger building (capable of accommodating 250,000 passengers per year) will also be constructed.
A new 7km road will be built to the airport. The second phase will expand the runway to 3,300 meters to accommodate Airbus 330s, 350s, Boeing 787s and 777s, as well as increase the number of aircraft taxiways, parking areas, aircraft isolation yards and terminal buildings (if required).
Sohar airport
Sohar Airport opened in 2014 as part of the 44th National Day celebrations in November 2014, and Oman Air operated its first flight to mark the official opening.
International flights to and from Sohar Airport began in 2017, with Air Arabia flying to Sharjah.
According to the National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Sohar Airport handled 260 flights and 18,637 passengers (mostly domestic flights) in 2025.
The airport, located approximately 13 kilometers northwest of the city of Suhar, is envisioned as a new gateway for cargo and parcels in northern Oman. Suhar Airport serves as an emergency alternative airport to Muscat Airport for passengers and cargo arriving in the Sultanate.
The airport is located close to major commercial, industrial and economic centers including the Sohar Port Free Zone.
Jabal Akhdar Airport
Jabal Akhdar, located in Dahiliya Governorate, attracts tourists all year round due to its mild summer temperatures that can drop to single digits in winter.
Although this destination is becoming increasingly popular, connectivity issues exist as it is currently only accessible by four-wheeled vehicle from its location high up in the mountain.
As part of the government’s long-term plans, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working on development projects such as Jabal Al Akhdar.
From January to the end of December 2025, the number of visitors to Jabal Al Akhdar in Al Dhahiliya Governorate was 222,151, including 203,629, including several foreigners and GCC nationals.
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