Oman’s Aviation Sector Strengthens with 2025 Growth and Strategic Expansion Plans
Oman Airports, Oman Air, and SalamAir announced significant achievements during a joint media briefing in Muscat, highlighting a positive performance in 2025. This growth is attributed to increased revenue, improved operational efficiency, and the expansion of destination networks, marking a new phase for Oman’s aviation ecosystem. The developments are crucial for enhancing Oman’s position on the regional and international aviation landscape.
Strategic Roadmap for Growth
The three companies outlined their strategic roadmap for the 2026–2030 period, which aims to create an integrated aviation ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth and enhances global connectivity. This initiative is expected to solidify Oman’s emerging role as a regional hub in both the aviation and tourism sectors.
Said Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, emphasized the aviation sector’s importance in achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040. He noted that the government is focused on rebuilding the aviation sector to enhance its competitiveness on both regional and global scales.
Transformation and Financial Performance
Al Maawali detailed the transformation plan initiated in September 2023, which has led to significant improvements in cost control, performance, productivity, and financial optimization. Notably, Oman Air reported operating profits in 2025 for the first time in approximately 15 years and reduced government-guaranteed debt by around RO 92 million ($239 million) since the plan’s inception.
He highlighted the enhanced operational efficiency and growing international confidence in Omani capabilities. Oman Airports has also expanded its regional footprint by providing operational and consultancy services for the Karbala Airport project in Iraq, while Transom has extended its services to Tanzania.
Expansion of Services and Destinations
Oman Air’s recent membership in the “Oneworld” alliance allows access to over 900 global destinations, complementing the launch of five new routes. The Muscat Airport City project is underway, aimed at transforming Oman into a regional air logistics hub, with several projects in the pipeline, including storage and air cargo facilities.
The Minister confirmed that the government’s acquisition of SalamAir is part of a strategic direction to reorganize the aviation sector. Both Oman Air and SalamAir will continue to operate independently while enhancing their respective fleets and commercial activities.
Enhancing Domestic Connectivity
Plans are also in motion to establish the first integrated aircraft maintenance workshop and develop a domestic aviation network connecting various governorates. This initiative includes upgrading several domestic airports in tourist areas such as Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Masirah Island, which will improve internal air connectivity and bolster the tourism sector.
Al Maawali reiterated that these efforts aim to enhance financial sustainability and regional growth, positioning the aviation sector as a key player in economic diversification, particularly in tourism and logistics.
Passenger Traffic and Financial Growth
Saud Al Hubaishi, Chief Operating Officer at Oman Airports, reported a growth in passenger traffic, reaching approximately 15.2 million across various airports in Oman, alongside a 4% increase in air cargo volumes. This performance reflects the rising demand for travel and improved operational efficiency.
Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, shared that the airline achieved an EBITDA of approximately RO 3.2 million for 2025, marking its first positive result in 15 years. The airline also reduced bank loans by RO 27 million, the first decline in debt levels since 2009. In 2025, Oman Air carried nearly 5.8 million passengers, achieving an 82% load factor and a 34% increase in direct travel traffic.
SalamAir’s Operational Success
Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, noted the airline’s strong operational and financial performance in 2025, transporting over 3.4 million passengers and operating more than 22,000 flights across a network of over 40 destinations. SalamAir generated approximately RO 137 million in revenue, supporting the aviation and tourism sectors while expanding into new markets in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
The airline plans to expand its fleet to 18 aircraft in 2026 and 25 by 2028, further enhancing its operational network.
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Published on 2026-04-13 19:17:00 • By the Editorial Desk
