The aviation sector in Oman makes a substantial contribution to the national economy, supporting over 42,000 jobs and adding approximately $1.8 billion to the country's GDP, according to recent data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Major activities including airlines, airports, and air navigation services employ around 17,000 people directly, generating nearly $630 million in economic output. When considering broader supply chain effects and tourism, the sector's total impact increases to about 1.7% of the GDP. Tourism, driven largely by aviation, accounts for a significant part of this impact, with $710 million contributed to GDP and about 18,000 jobs supported.
Passenger and Cargo Trends
The market's international orientation is evident, with 80% of departures in 2023 being international, totaling 3.8 million passengers. The Asia Pacific region is the largest international market, with nearly 1.8 million passengers, followed by the Middle East and Europe. Additionally, air cargo transport reached 169,500 tonnes in 2023, crucial for Oman’s import-export activities and supply chain resilience.
Overall, the aviation industry in Oman is poised for continued growth, influencing the broader economy and supporting the country's tourism and trade objectives.
