Muscat – The aviation sector is projected to handle more than 40mn passengers and attract cumulative private sector investments exceeding RO1bn by 2040, raising its contribution to the gross domestic product to over 3.5%, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated on Monday.
The projections were presented at a media briefing during which the CAA launched the National Aviation Strategy 2040 and reviewed key achievements recorded in 2025 across safety, security, air navigation, meteorology, digital transformation and regulatory development.
Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of the authority, said the strategy aims to reposition aviation from a transport service into a broader economic and development driver that supports diversification and long-term financial sustainability. The 2040 targets include handling around 1mn tonnes of air freight and expanding private sector participation across the industry.
Abri said the implementation plan spans 15 years and is structured in three phases: an initiation and readiness assessment phase from 2026 to 2027, an acceleration and take-off phase from 2027 to 2030, and a final growth phase extending to 2040.
According to Abri, the strategy was developed through a participatory process involving more than 60 public and private entities, supported by 70 specialised meetings and workshops to ensure alignment with sectoral and community needs.
Hamid Ahmed al Barashdi, Director General of Strategic Planning at CAA, said the strategy is built on nine core principles and will be delivered through 39 initiatives. These focus on enhancing safety, expanding economic value, developing national skills, supporting innovation and digital transformation, and promoting sustainability.
Rawya Nasser al Adawi, Acting Director General of Civil Aviation Regulation, said Oman signed eight international air transport agreements in 2025 and held 21 bilateral meetings with partner countries. More than 18,000 permits were issued to airlines during the year, including diplomatic clearances, in addition to 3,627 permits related to flight obstacles.
Regarding air navigation, Saleh al Harthy, Director General of Air Navigation at CAA, said 643,069 aircraft movements were recorded in 2025, including 585,357 overflights through Omani airspace. The figures reflect growing international confidence in the safety and efficiency of the sultanate’s airspace. Airports across Oman handled more than 15.2mn passengers last year, indicating a recovery in air travel demand.
On meteorology, Abdullah bin Rashid al Khadouri, Director General of Meteorology, said artificial intelligence was introduced in 2025 to enhance forecasting and data analysis. The national monitoring and early warning system was upgraded, increasing the number of weather stations to 83. A new meteorology website and mobile application were also launched, alongside high-resolution numerical weather models and a unified warning protocol.
On revenues, Hussein bin Salem al Rahbi, Director General of Support Services, said CAA revenues exceeded RO107mn in 2025, the highest on record. Construction of the aircraft maintenance building at Muscat International Airport is 98% complete and expected to become operational this year. A tender will be issued for construction works at Suhar Airport shortly. Technical studies for Musandam Airport are almost complete, with the implementation plan due for approval this year.
