Airports in Oman handled more than 6.2 million passengers during the first half of 2026, marking a decline compared to the same period last year, according to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI). The total number of passengers, including arrivals, departures, and transit travelers, reached 6,276,117 by the end of June 2026, down 9.3% from 6,921,569 recorded in the first half of 2025.

International flight activity through Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar airports also decreased during this period. The combined number of international arrivals and departures reached 38,203 flights, representing a 10.7% drop from 42,778 flights in the corresponding timeframe of the previous year.

Muscat International Airport, Oman’s main air hub, experienced an 8.3% decline in total flight movements, which include both international and domestic flights. The airport handled 41,022 flights by June 2026, compared with 44,743 flights in the first half of 2025. Passenger numbers at Muscat International also fell by 8.8%, reaching 5,688,276 passengers versus 6,233,954 in the prior year.

Passenger demographics for Muscat International in June 2026 indicate that Indian nationals constituted the largest group, with 173,156 travelers, split between 76,271 arrivals and 96,885 departures. Omani nationals made up the second-largest share with 125,560 passengers (54,222 arrivals and 71,338 departures), followed by Bangladeshis, who accounted for 47,822 passengers (20,092 arrivals and 27,730 departures).

Salalah Airport saw a more pronounced decrease in flight operations, with a 12.8% reduction in total flights. It recorded 3,945 flights by mid-2026 compared to 4,526 flights during the same period in 2025.

The declines in passenger volumes and flight operations come amid broader regional and global shifts in travel demand. While the report does not offer specific explanations for the decreases, factors such as changing travel patterns and external economic conditions may have played a role.