Oman eyes airport upgrades to boost air cargo sector

Oman is putting air cargo at the centre of its National Aviation Strategy 2040, with plans to handle around one million tonnes of freight by the end of the next decade. The target highlights the government’s push to use aviation as a driver for trade, logistics growth, and economic diversification.

Speaking during a media briefing in Muscat, Eng. Naif Ali Al Abri, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, said the strategy is designed to “transform aviation into a key economic driver that supports trade flows and long-term financial sustainability,” noting that air cargo will play a central role in this shift.

A major part of the plan focuses on airport and cargo infrastructure. Oman intends to upgrade its airports to improve cargo handling efficiency, expand services, and introduce more sustainable operations. This includes better operational performance, stronger commercial activities at airports, and higher standards for cargo facilities.

The strategy also aims to support the movement of high-value and time-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments, and industrial products. Faster handling, increased storage capacity, and wider use of digital systems are expected to improve reliability across the cargo chain.

Private investment is seen as critical, with the strategy targeting more than OMR 1 billion in cumulative private sector funding for logistics facilities, warehouses, and cargo-related services. The roadmap will be implemented in phases through to 2040, as Oman works to position itself as a competitive regional air cargo and transit hub.