LOC16:03
13:03 GMT
MUSCAT, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- Oman Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced on Monday that it aims to receive over 40 million passengers and increase the aviation sector's contribution to the national GDP to more than 3.5 percent by 2040.
The announcement was made during an extensive press briefing organized to unveil the "National Aviation Strategy 2040" and its future initiatives aligned with the objectives of "Oman Vision 2040," as well as to review the authority's main achievements in 2025.
Oman CAA Chairman Naief Al-Abri said the plan also targets the transportation of around one million tons of air cargo and cumulative private sector investments exceeding one billion Omani rials (about USD 2.6 billion ).
He added that the strategy seeks to transform Oman's aviation sector from a mere means of transport into an active economic and developmental engine that supports the diversification of the national economy. The strategy focuses on key pillars, including enhancing domestic and international connectivity through a competitive and efficient air transport network that supports economic growth and serves multiple sectors.
Highlighting the CAA's achievements in 2025, Al-Abri noted that Omani airports handled over 15.2 million passengers, with total air traffic exceeding 643,000 aircraft movements, including more than 585,000 overflights of Omani airspace.
He also said that total revenues of the authority exceeded 107 million Omani rials (USD 278 million), while the completion rate of the aircraft maintenance building at Muscat International Airport reached 98 percent.
He added that the construction tender for Sohar Airport will be launched this year and all technical studies for Musandam Airport have been completed.
The "National Aviation Strategy 2040" is closely linked to the priorities of Oman Vision 2040, aiming to support economic diversification, increase non-oil revenues, and enhance Oman's position as a regional hub for tourism and logistics services. (end)
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