Muscat – Oman Airports is in discussions with several international carriers to launch new direct routes to the sultanate as part of efforts to boost revenue and improve operational performance.

Ahmed bin Saeed al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, said talks are underway with the Hungarian low-cost carrier Wizz Air to operate direct flights from European cities, including Budapest, to Oman. “The company is very serious about launching these routes soon,” Amri told ONA.

Last week, Wizz Air announced that it was closing down its Abu Dhabi operations, allowing it to relocate capacity throughout Europe.

Oman Airports is also working with the Embassy of China in Muscat to attract China Eastern Airlines to operate direct flights to Muscat from Shanghai or Guangzhou. Amri said incentives and promotional packages are being offered to support the launch of the service.

He added that efforts are ongoing with LOT Polish Airlines to establish a direct connection between Muscat and Warsaw, with Civil Aviation Authority in contact with its Polish counterpart to formalise the route.

Oman Airports’ commercial team is also assessing the Vietnamese market for potential direct services in coordination with Oman Air.

In Salalah, Amri noted a rise in passenger traffic this year. Growth has been seen during the ongoing khareef season with increased domestic and regional flights, and during the winter season with charter services from Scandinavia and Belarus.

At Muscat International Airport, passenger numbers continue to rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, Amri acknowledged a drop in transfer passengers, linked to Oman Air reducing its flight frequency and fleet size.

He informed that Oman Airports recently signed an agreement with Singapore’s Changi Airports International to enhance commercial and aviation revenue streams at the country’s airports. The partnership will include a review of key income sources such as aircraft parking and ground service equipment usage.

Earlier this month, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Malaysia’s WCT Berhad to explore investment and development opportunities for land around Muscat International Airport.