Main Airports in Oman: What You Need to Know

Airports in Oman set the tone for your journey with their distinctive combination of local character and international standards. 

When you land at Muscat International, you might notice the curved terminal resembling Bedouin tents, while Salalah welcomes you with a scent of frankincense. 

From luxury lounges overlooking runways to small desert airstrips connecting remote communities, airports in Oman serve as your first taste of this welcoming sultanate. 

This guide covers the top airports in Oman, their facilities, transportation options, and everything you need to know for a fantastic trip. 

Airport Name	Type	Airport Code
Muscat International Airport	Domestic & International	MCT
Salalah International Airport	Domestic & International	SLL
Duqm International Airport	Domestic & International	DQM
Sohar International Airport	Domestic & International	OHS
Khasab Airport	Domestic	KHS

1. Muscat International Airport (MCT) – Oman’s Primary International Gateway

Credit: Wikipedia

Muscat International Airport stands as Oman’s premier aviation hub, with the capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually. As the crown jewel among airports in Oman, it features world-class facilities within its striking terminal that blends modern design with traditional Omani architectural elements.

Address: Muscat, Oman
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wk3BwgBScBFjZyhr5
Airport Code: MCT
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +96824351234
Distance from City Center: 12 km from the Muscat city

Operating Airlines: Oman Air, Salam Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and numerous other international carriers operate from this flagship among airports in Oman.

Terminals: One main passenger terminal divided into three wings, opened in 2018, replacing the older terminal.

Services & Amenities:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Extensive duty-free shopping, dining options, and relaxation areas
• Premium lounges, including Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge
• Prayer rooms, family areas, and accessibility features
• 16 additional bus lounges for remote stands
• Advanced baggage handling system (capacity: 5,200 bags/hour)

Nearby Attractions:

• Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Oman’s largest mosque, featuring exquisite Islamic architecture, a stunning 70 m-high main dome, and a magnificent hand-woven carpet that once held the world record for the largest single-piece carpet.
• Muttrah Souk: Historic marketplace dating back over 200 years with labyrinthine alleys filled with frankincense, traditional jewelry, Omani crafts, and Arabian treasures.
• Royal Opera House Muscat: Oman’s premier cultural venue, built in contemporary Omani architecture, hosts world-class opera, ballet, and musical performances with state-of-the-art acoustics.
• Al Alam Palace: The ceremonial palace of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq with its distinctive blue and gold pillars, flanked by the 16th-century Portuguese forts of Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani.
• City Centre Muscat Mall: Modern shopping destination with over 250 retail outlets, VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet entertainment center, and international dining options.

Suggested Read: Oman Visa Extension for Indians

2. Salalah International Airport (SLL) – South Oman’s Key Aviation Hub

Credit: Wikipedia

Salalah International Airport ranks as the second busiest among the airports in Oman, serving as the main gateway to the lush Dhofar region. This modern facility handles significant international and domestic traffic, especially during the Khareef (monsoon) season when tourists flock to experience the area’s unique green landscapes.

Address: Salalah 211, Oman
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fW4zozLeXn15679P8
Airport Code: SLL
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +96824351234
Distance from City Center: 21 km away from Salalah city

Operating Airlines: Oman Air, Salam Air, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, PIA, and various seasonal charter operations serve this important hub among airports in Oman.

Terminals: One modern terminal opened in 2015, with a total area of 65,000 square meters.

Services & Amenities:

• 30 check-in counters and 10 departure gates
• 8 passenger boarding bridges for direct aircraft access
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafes
• VIP lounge for premium travelers
• Advanced baggage handling with 3 conveyor belts
• Prayer rooms and family facilities
• Car rental and taxi services

Nearby Attractions:

• Al Baleed Archaeological Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of an ancient trading port of Zafar dating back to 2000 BC, with an informative Land of Frankincense Museum.
• Sultan Qaboos Mosque (Salalah): Impressive modern mosque with beautiful white minarets, ornate interiors, and traditional Islamic design elements open to non-Muslim visitors during specific hours.
• Al Husn Souq: Vibrant traditional market where local frankincense, perfumes, traditional Dhofari clothing, and authentic Omani handicrafts are sold by local merchants.
• Wadi Darbat: Spectacular valley featuring seasonal waterfalls, lush vegetation, natural springs, and limestone caves that transform dramatically during the Khareef monsoon season.
• Mughsail Beach and Blowholes: A stunning 4km stretch of pristine white sand alongside limestone cliffs featuring natural blowholes that spectacularly shoot seawater up to 28 meters high during high tide.

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3. Duqm International Airport (DQM) – Central Oman’s Growing Gateway

Credit: Wikipedia

Duqm International Airport serves as a strategic facility among airports in Oman, supporting the rapidly developing Duqm Special Economic Zone. This growing airport connects central Oman to major cities and facilitates both business travel and tourism to this emerging economic hub.

Address: Shuwayr, Oman
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Cqczhr44SRERX1M7
Airport Code: DQM
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +96824341000
Distance from City Center: 38 km away from Duqm city center

Operating Airlines: Oman Air, Salam Air connect this developing airport to Muscat and other regional destinations.

Terminals: One passenger terminal with 8,660 square meters of space, opened permanently in 2018 after initially operating from a temporary facility.

Services & Amenities:

• Modern check-in facilities with streamlined processing
• 2 passenger boarding bridges
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Duty-free shop and restaurant/café
• Cargo terminal with 25,000 tonnes/year capacity
• Car parking, taxi, and car rental services
• ATMs and limited currency exchange services
• Baggage handling system with modern tracking

Nearby Attractions:

• Ras Madrakah Beach: An untouched coastal area with pristine white sands stretching for kilometers, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, and traditional fishing communities nearby.
• Duqm Port: Massive deep-water port and drydock facility representing one of Oman’s most ambitious industrial developments, with viewing areas to observe massive ships and industrial operations.
• Duqm Special Economic Zone: Rapidly developing 2,000 sq km industrial and economic zone featuring new infrastructure, business hubs, and the centrepiece of Oman’s economic diversification strategy.
• Rock Garden: Fascinating natural formation of unusual rock structures created by centuries of wind erosion, resembling a sculpture garden with formations taking on shapes of animals and objects.
• Bar Al Hikman Peninsula: Important wetland habitat south of Duqm featuring vast sabkha flats (salt pans) that attract thousands of migratory birds, including flamingos and waders.

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4. Suhar International Airport (OHS) – Northern Oman’s Regional Hub

Suhar International Airport serves as an important northern gateway among airports in Oman. Located in the industrial hub of Suhar, this facility supports both business travelers and tourists exploring Oman’s Batinah coast region with convenient domestic connections.

Address: Sohar, Oman
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GrKthdLy76VfYri49

Airport Code: OHS
Category: Operates domestically with some international flights
Phone: +96826643288
Distance from City Center: 19 km away from Suhar city

Operating Airlines: Oman Air, Salam Air, Qatar Airways (seasonal) connect this regional facility to major destinations.

Terminals: One compact terminal of 1,200 square meters serving all flights.

Services & Amenities:

• 7 check-in counters for efficient processing
• 4 passenger boarding bridges
• Free Wi-Fi across the airport
• Café/restaurant and duty-free shop
• Car rental and taxi services
• Convenient parking facilities
• ATMs and limited currency exchange
• Prayer rooms and basic passenger amenities

Nearby Attractions:

• Sohar Fort: An impressively restored 13th-century fortress housing a museum with exhibits on Sohar’s maritime history, including its connection to Sindbad the Sailor, who allegedly originated from this port city.
• Sohar Corniche: Picturesque 3km waterfront promenade lined with palm trees, gardens, children’s play areas, and cafes offering views across the Gulf of Oman.
• Silver Jubilee Park: Expansive public garden featuring landscaped grounds, walking paths, water features, children’s play areas, and a popular spot for local families during evening hours.

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5. Khasab Airport (KHS) – Musandam Peninsula Gateway

Khasab Airport serves as the aviation gateway to Oman’s spectacular Musandam Peninsula. This facility among airports in Oman provides crucial connections to the remote northern exclave separated from mainland Oman by the United Arab Emirates.

Address: Khasab, Musandam Governorate, Oman
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WxgvaJ5x3tJKaKRA

Airport Code: KHS
Category: Domestic flights
Phone: +96896608258
Distance from City Center: 4 km away from Khasab town

Operating Airlines: Oman Air operates regular domestic services linking this remote region with Muscat.

Terminals: One small terminal serving all domestic flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Check-in counters and baggage claim
• Duty-free shop in the departure hall
• Café and restaurant with refreshments
• Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange services
• Medical center within the terminal
• Car rental, taxi, and limited bus services
• Modern security and surveillance systems
• Car parking facilities

Nearby Attractions:

• Khasab Fort: Well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fortress featuring exhibitions of traditional Musandam life, historical artifacts, and a strategic location overlooking the harbor.
• Musandam Fjords: Spectacular natural formation of steep limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, often called “Norway of Arabia,” best experienced via traditional wooden dhow cruises.
• Jebel Harim: The highest mountain in the Musandam Peninsula at 2,087 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views, ancient rock art, and fossilized marine creatures high above sea level.
• Bukha Fort: A picturesque, smaller fortress located along the coastal road with distinctive round towers and a strategic position guarding the western approach to the Strait of Hormuz.
• Telegraph Island: Historic site where the British established a repeater station in 1864 for the first telegraph cable between Europe and India, now a popular swimming and snorkeling stop on dhow cruises.

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Top 5 Places You Must Visit in Oman

Oman offers a stunning mix of cultural treasures and natural wonders. When planning your journey through airports in Oman, make sure to include these must-visit destinations in your itinerary.

Place	Location	Highlights
Mutrah Corniche	Muscat	Historic waterfront, souk, cultural sites
Wahiba Sands	Central Oman	Desert camping, dune bashing, Bedouin experiences
Nizwa Fort	Interior Region	Historic fortress, traditional souk, mountain views
Jebel Shams	Al Hajar Mountains	“Grand Canyon of Oman,” hiking, spectacular views
Salalah	Dhofar Governorate	Lush landscapes during Khareef, beaches, and archaeological sites

Mutrah Corniche, Muscat

Mutrah Corniche is one of Oman’s most picturesque waterfronts. This curved promenade along Muscat’s harbor offers stunning views of traditional dhow boats against a backdrop of rugged mountains and Portuguese-era watchtowers.

Visitors can explore the famous Mutrah Souk, one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, filled with treasures from frankincense to hand-crafted silver. The area also features the Bait Al Baranda museum and numerous cafes perfect for watching fishing boats return at sunset.

Best For: Cultural explorers, photographers, and shoppers.

Wahiba Sands, Central Oman

Wahiba Sands presents an authentic Arabian desert experience with golden dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Visitors can enjoy thrilling dune bashing adventures in 4×4 vehicles and camel rides across the shifting sands.

Overnight stays in Bedouin camps offer unforgettable experiences under star-filled skies, with traditional music and cuisine. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot rare desert species adapted to this harsh environment. 

Best For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Nizwa Fort, Interior Region

Nizwa Fort stands as Oman’s most visited national monument, an impressive example of ancient Omani defensive architecture. Built in the 17th century, this circular fort features a massive central tower with clever defensive elements, including honey traps and murder holes.

The surrounding Nizwa Souq offers authentic handicrafts, especially silver jewellery and traditional curved khanjar daggers. The Friday goat market presents a fascinating glimpse into rural Omani life. 

Best For: History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and culture seekers.

Jebel Shams, Al Hajar Mountains

Jebel Shams, meaning “Mountain of the Sun,” is Oman’s highest peak and home to the breathtaking Wadi Ghul, known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.” Visitors can hike the famous “Balcony Walk” along the canyon rim for spectacular views dropping nearly 1,000 meters straight down.

Traditional mountain villages like Misfat Al Abriyeen showcase ancient irrigation systems and stone houses. The area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. 

Best For: Hikers, nature photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Salalah, Dhofar Governorate

Salalah transforms into a lush green paradise during the unique Khareef (monsoon) season from June to September. Visitors can explore misty mountains, seasonal waterfalls, and verdant landscapes that contrast dramatically with typical Middle Eastern scenery.

The region’s archaeological sites include the UNESCO-listed ancient frankincense trading center of Al Baleed and Sumhuram. Beautiful beaches like Al Mughsail feature dramatic blowholes during high tides.

Best For: Nature lovers, beach goers, and archaeological enthusiasts.

Also Read: A Complete Guide to the Most Famous Buildings in Oman 

FAQs

What are the accommodation options near major airports in Oman?

Major airports in Oman offer various lodging options, from budget to luxury. Muscat International Airport features the Aerotel Muscat within the terminal, while nearby hotels include Kempinski Hotel Muscat and Fraser Suites. 

What are some of the facilities at Oman airports?

Oman airport facilities include free Wi-Fi, duty-free shopping, prayer rooms, currency exchange services, and varied dining options. The best airports in Oman also provide lounges, car rental services, and baggage assistance.

How does the visa process work when arriving at airports in Oman?

Most visitors can obtain visas on arrival at the major airports in Oman, including single-entry tourist visas valid for 10 days (5 OMR) or 30 days (20 OMR). Many nationalities can also apply online through the Royal Oman Police e-visa system before travel. Requirements include a passport valid for six months.

What are the transportation options available from airports in Oman?

Airport transportation in Oman includes taxis, hotel shuttles, and car rentals at all major airports. Muscat International Airport offers the most options with designated taxi services, car rental agencies, and hotel shuttles. 

How long does an Oman tourist visa last?

Oman tourist visas typically last 10 or 30 days, depending on the type purchased. Travelers visiting airports in Oman can obtain these visas on arrival or through the e-visa system. Extensions for up to 30 additional days can be arranged through the Royal Oman Police for a fee.

What items cannot be brought into Oman?

Oman enforces strict customs laws at all airports in Oman. Prohibited items include narcotics, firearms, pork products, pornographic materials, and Israeli-made goods. Alcohol is restricted (max 2 bottles or 24 cans of beer for non-Muslims only), and religious materials for proselytizing are forbidden.

How much is 1 OMR in USD?

1 Omani Rial (OMR) is approximately $2.60 United States Dollars (USD) based on the current exchange rate. The Omani Rial is one of the world’s highest-valued currencies.

What are the best times to visit Oman?

The optimal time to visit most of Oman is during the winter months (October to March) when temperatures are pleasant. For Salalah and southern Oman, the Khareef season (June to September) offers unique green landscapes.

What procedures should be followed if belongings get lost inside an Oman airport?

For lost items at airports in Oman, contact the airport’s lost property office immediately. Items lost on aircraft require contacting the airline directly. Every airport has a dedicated lost and found office for travelers to find their lost items.