Oman Tourism Faces Aviation Challenge After Airport Passenger Numbers Drop In 2026: All You Need To Know

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Oman’s aviation sector has experienced a notable slowdown during the first five months of 2026, with passenger traffic across the country’s airports declining by 9.3 per cent year-on-year. New figures from Oman’s National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) show that airports handled 5.25 million passengers between January and May 2026, compared with 5.79 million during the same period in 2025.

The decline affected Oman’s largest aviation gateways, including Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport and Sohar Airport, with international flight movements also decreasing. Despite the short-term contraction, Oman continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, air connectivity and destination development as it aims to strengthen its position as a major Middle East leisure destination.

Muscat International Airport Remains Oman’s Main Aviation Gateway

Muscat International Airport continued to handle the majority of Oman’s passenger traffic, although the airport recorded an 8.5 per cent decline compared with the previous year. Passenger numbers fell to 4.76 million by the end of May 2026, down from 5.21 million during the same period in 2025.

Flight activity also weakened, with total domestic and international movements reaching 34,242 flights, representing an 8.2 per cent reduction from the previous year.

As Oman’s primary international gateway, Muscat International Airport remains central to the country’s tourism ambitions. The airport connects Oman with major markets across Asia, Europe and the Middle East while supporting both leisure and business travel.

For international visitors, Muscat remains the starting point for exploring Oman’s diverse landscapes, including the Hajar Mountains, desert regions, coastal areas and historic heritage sites. The city itself offers attractions such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq, Royal Opera House Muscat and the waterfront Corniche.

Salalah Airport Faces Seasonal Tourism Challenge

Salalah Airport experienced a sharper decline, with passenger numbers falling 15.9 per cent to 468,797 during the first five months of 2026. Flight movements also decreased by 13 per cent to 3,234.

The southern Omani airport plays a unique role because of its connection to the Dhofar region and the famous Khareef season, when monsoon rains transform the normally arid landscape into a green destination. The seasonal phenomenon attracts visitors from across the Gulf and beyond, creating a major tourism peak between June and September.

Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority has highlighted preparations to strengthen Salalah connectivity during Khareef Dhofar 2026, including additional airline capacity on the Muscat–Salalah route. Oman Air and SalamAir planned increased operations during the peak tourism period to support expected visitor demand.

Salalah offers a different tourism experience from northern Oman. Visitors can explore waterfalls, mist-covered mountains, frankincense heritage sites, beaches and natural landscapes unique within the Arabian Peninsula.

Sohar Airport Records The Largest Contraction

Sohar Airport experienced the most significant percentage decline among Oman’s major airports. Passenger numbers dropped by 48.5 per cent, falling to just 173 passengers during the January-May 2026 period. Flight movements also declined by 39 per cent to 50 operations.

The figures reflect Sohar’s smaller aviation role compared with Muscat and Salalah. The airport primarily supports regional connectivity and industrial activity rather than large-scale international tourism flows.

Sohar itself remains an important destination within Oman’s northern coastline. Known historically as a maritime centre, the city offers attractions including Sohar Fort, beaches and connections to the Al Batinah region.

Duqm Domestic Travel Also Experiences Weakness

Duqm Airport recorded a decline in domestic operations during the same period. Flight movements decreased by 13.3 per cent to 222, while passenger traffic fell 19.3 per cent to 20,476.

Duqm is part of Oman’s wider economic development plans, with the Special Economic Zone at Duqm positioned as a major investment and logistics hub. While tourism remains an emerging sector, the region has potential through coastal attractions, desert landscapes and industrial tourism.

Future growth in Duqm depends heavily on stronger connectivity, infrastructure development and increased awareness among international travellers.

Indian Travellers Remain Oman’s Largest Passenger Group

Despite the overall decline, Muscat International Airport continued to see strong movement from international markets. Indian nationals represented the largest passenger group during May 2026, accounting for 175,022 arrivals and departures. Omani nationals followed with 80,732 passengers, while Pakistani nationals ranked third with 45,956 passengers.

India remains one of Oman’s most important aviation and tourism markets due to historic economic, cultural and business connections between the two countries.

Strong India-Oman travel links are supported by expatriate communities, business travel, family visits and growing interest in Oman as a leisure destination.

Oman Continues Expanding Tourism Connectivity

The airport decline comes while Oman continues efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and international access. The country has invested heavily in airport modernisation, including expansion plans for Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport.

Muscat International Airport was designed with significant future capacity expansion potential, supporting Oman’s ambition to attract more international visitors.

Oman Air has also been expanding international connectivity as part of its transformation strategy. The airline launched a new Muscat-Singapore route in 2026 and has indicated plans to strengthen links with Asian markets, including China, Japan and South Korea.

These efforts indicate that the current passenger decline is being addressed through longer-term connectivity strategies rather than short-term measures alone.

Travel Guide: Why Oman Remains A Rising Destination

Despite aviation challenges, Oman continues to offer one of the Gulf region’s most distinctive travel experiences. Unlike neighbouring destinations known for skyscrapers and urban attractions, Oman focuses on natural landscapes, heritage and slower-paced exploration.

A first-time visitor should spend time in Muscat before travelling further. The capital provides access to cultural landmarks, coastal scenery and mountain adventures.

The Hajar Mountains offer hiking routes, dramatic valleys and traditional villages. The Wahiba Sands provide desert experiences, while the coast around Sur and Ras Al Jinz attracts visitors interested in marine life and turtle conservation.

Salalah should be considered during Khareef season for travellers seeking cooler weather, greenery and waterfalls. The region’s combination of mountains, beaches and frankincense heritage creates one of Oman’s most unique tourism experiences.