Passenger traffic in Oman experienced a slight overall decline by the end of May 2025. Despite continued air travel demand, the numbers show a 3% drop compared to the same period in 2024. This update came from preliminary data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).
The total number of travelers through Oman’s airports reached approximately 5,790,010 by May 2025. In contrast, during the same period in 2024, the number stood at 5,968,622. Clearly, passenger traffic in Oman saw a moderate decrease year-on-year.
Muscat International Airport remained the busiest hub in the country. By the end of May 2025, it recorded 5,207,005 passengers. However, this marked a 3.5% decline from 5,393,373 passengers in the previous year. Flight operations also fell at Muscat Airport. Total flights dropped 7.5% to 37,307 from 40,322 flights in May 2024.
Salalah Airport, on the other hand, posted strong growth. Passenger numbers rose by 6.7%, reaching 557,298 compared to 522,224 in May 2024. Nevertheless, its flight activity dipped slightly. Total flights declined by 0.3% to 3,717 from 3,730 flights last year.
Sohar Airport witnessed the steepest decline in passenger traffic in Oman. Only 336 travelers passed through Sohar by May 2025, down from 27,350 in 2024—a 98.8% decrease. Flights at Sohar also fell sharply, dropping 63.7% to 82 from 226 flights.
Meanwhile, Duqm Airport faced mild declines in both passengers and flights. It handled 25,371 passengers by May 2025, a 1.2% drop from 25,675 the year before. Flight activity decreased slightly by 1.5%, recording 256 flights versus 260 in 2024.
Indian nationals topped the list of most frequent travelers through Muscat Airport. By May 2025, they accounted for 193,861 passengers. This included 85,447 arrivals and 108,414 departures. Omani nationals followed with 108,916 total passengers. Pakistani nationals came third, totaling 46,930 travelers.
Overall, passenger traffic in Oman remains dynamic, reflecting airport-specific trends. While some airports expanded operations, others experienced setbacks. These statistics underscore shifting travel patterns as Oman’s aviation sector adapts to changing demands.
