Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate, has reported a 34% increase in inbound traffic for 2025, as demand for international travel to Oman continues to rise. The carrier carried a total of 5.8 million passengers during the year, which represents an 8% increase over 2024 and a 57% growth compared to 2022. This surge highlights the airline’s role in driving Oman’s growing position as a tourism and business hub in the region.
The 34% increase in inbound traffic demonstrates the growing interest in Oman as an international destination. As Oman Air has increased flight offerings, including new routes and expanded frequencies, it has helped improve direct access to Oman for tourists and business travellers alike. This strong growth mirrors the broader trend in the Sultanate’s tourism sector, where Oman welcomed 3.9 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 3% increase year-on-year.
Oman Air’s network expansion, which included the launch of direct routes to Amsterdam, Baghdad, Copenhagen, and Taif during the year, played a significant role in driving this rise in inbound traffic. The airline’s growing codeshare partnerships and entry into the oneworld Alliance in 2025 also enhanced its global connectivity, making it easier for travellers to reach Oman via a variety of international hubs.
In 2025, Oman saw positive growth in the hotel sector as well, with 2.4 million guests staying at three- to five-star properties, representing a 10.8% increase in guest nights. The cruise industry also remained strong, with 71 ships bringing 112,556 passengers to Oman by November 2025. These figures align with the overall tourism strategy in Oman, which aims to diversify the economy through increased tourism and aviation expansion.
Oman Air has contributed significantly to the growth of tourism, offering direct flights to key destinations, thereby positioning Oman as an attractive destination for both leisure and business. The airline’s strategic expansion has helped boost the Sultanate’s visibility in international markets, with new direct international flights contributing to the rise in inbound tourism.
On the domestic front, Oman Air has strengthened its operations to Salalah, Oman’s second-largest city. The airline carried 19% more passengers to Salalah in 2025 compared to the previous year, a 36% increase over 2022. This supports the Sultanate’s goal of attracting 580,000 new passengers to Salalah by 2030. The airline’s enhanced services to this popular destination have contributed to the overall growth in domestic tourism.
Looking ahead, Oman Air is set to continue its expansion with a focus on both international and regional routes. In 2026, the airline will debut its first-ever nonstop flights between Muscat and Singapore starting July 2, further strengthening its Far East presence. This new route will add to Oman Air’s network of over 40 destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, Oman Air’s charter service between Moscow and Salalah will continue to operate, with plans to expand to more Russian destinations in 2026 and additional European markets by 2027.
This expansion reflects Oman Air’s transformation strategy, which includes commercial optimisation, smarter resource deployment, and a focus on customer experience. CEO Con Korfiatis highlighted that the airline’s progress in both international and domestic markets is a testament to the success of this strategy, which continues to provide long-term benefits for both the airline and the Sultanate of Oman.
Oman Air demonstrates its global expansion capabilities through its 2025 performance while it aids in the tourism development of the Sultanate. The airline will maintain its growth path because it achieved a 34% rise in inbound passenger traffic through new route development and its dedication to enhancing passenger services. Oman Air establishes itself as an essential Middle Eastern airline through its worldwide network, which enables international travellers to access Oman’s growing popularity as a tourist destination.
