Search Results forMuscat International Airport
Travelex renews tenure at Muscat International Airport
Foreign exchange brand Travelex has renewed its contract with Muscat International Airport (MCT), extending its 22-year presence in Oman for a further five years. Travelex will now be the only airside foreign exchange operator in Muscat International, the first for any foreign exchange provider in the airport. Alongside winning the extension, Travelex has opened four new stores at Muscat International across the departure and arrival terminals. Travelex now has nine locations including traditional and ‘on-the-move’ mobile stores, catering to passenger demand throughout the airport. Batu Dölay, Managing Director, Travelex Middle East and Türkiye, said: “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Muscat International Airport, and will build on the 20 years of experience we have in the region to continue to serve the millions of travellers who transit through the hub. Today’s travellers expect convenient access to travel money, and our store locations enable customers to purchase travel money at a time and place that suits them.” Travelex has also welcomed 15 new Omani colleagues to support its expansion across Muscat International. "Travelex is proud to welcome 15 talented Omani colleagues to our team at Muscat International Airport, reflecting our commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the growth of Oman’s financial services sector." Dölay added. Travellers can purchase over 20 currencies from Travelex at its Muscat International stores on their day of travel or collect pre-ordered cash from the Travelex website. Travelex also operates a remittance service in the region, enabling international money transfers to over 350,000 payout and bank locations which customers can do directly instore at the airport. In April 2025, Muscat International Airport reported a 9% on-year increase in passenger numbers. Oman has stated it plans to invest $31 billion in its tourism sector by 2040 to attract more international visitors. Ahmed Al Amry, CEO of Oman Airports, said: "We are pleased to extend our long-standing partnership with Travelex, a trusted brand serving our passengers for many years. This renewal reflects our commitment to enhancing the travel experience at Muscat International Airport by offering high-quality, convenient services to our passengers. Such collaborations play a vital role in providing world-class airport services and contributing to the nation’s economic growth."
Singapore Tourism Board organises special flight to Muscat
Landscape of Muscat, Oman, Middle East. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced a special flight for foreign visitors affected by the Middle East airspace closure. The flight departed from Singapore Changi Airport to Muscat International Airport, Oman, at 5:30 am on Sunday, 8 March 2026. Passengers interested in this service must register their interest by 9:00 am on Saturday, 7 March 2026, via the STB website. This initiative comes in response to the disruption caused by the closure of airspace in the Middle East, which has left many travellers stranded. The STB aims to assist these visitors by providing an alternative route to their destinations. The board has urged affected passengers to act swiftly to secure their seats on this special flight. The STB, as the lead development agency for tourism in Singapore, plays a crucial role in managing such disruptions and ensuring that visitors have a seamless experience. By organising this flight, the STB demonstrates its commitment to supporting the tourism sector and maintaining Singapore's reputation as a vibrant and accessible destination. For further information, passengers can contact the STB Tourist Information Hotline. This proactive measure by the STB highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness in the tourism industry, ensuring that visitors can continue their journeys with minimal inconvenience This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
Fujairah Airport and SalamAir Launch Charter Lifeline for Stranded Travellers
Fujairah International Airport has begun operating a series of charter flights in collaboration with Oman’s SalamAir to assist travellers seeking to return to their home countries amid ongoing regional challenges. The special charter services are scheduled to operate via Muscat on 4 and 5 March 2026, connecting the Emirate of Fujairah with five key international destinations: Calicut, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Istanbul and Karachi. Passengers wishing to travel on these flights can make bookings through SalamAir’s official website or via authorised travel agents. The initiative forms part of humanitarian efforts aimed at supporting travellers affected by current travel disruptions, providing them with an alternative route to reach their home destinations. Fujairah International Airport said the collaboration with SalamAir reflects its ongoing commitment to addressing humanitarian travel needs while maintaining safe and efficient passenger services during challenging periods. To ensure smooth operations, the airport has worked closely with airline partners, ground handling teams and relevant authorities, coordinating efforts to support passengers throughout the repatriation travel process. Authorities said these measures are intended to maintain high standards of passenger care while ensuring seamless flight operations. Fujairah International Airport added that it continues to coordinate with partners and stakeholders to monitor evolving travel requirements and respond quickly to any developments, reinforcing its role as a reliable and resilient aviation hub in the UAE.
Middle East’s top 10 airports ranked as Gulf carriers expand long-haul networks
Positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Middle East airports have evolved from regional gateways into some of the world’s most influential long-haul hubs. Capitalising on modern hubs, which are well-located within an 8-hour flight from 80% of the world's population, Middle East carriers will further connect people and economies in Europe, Africa and Asia. Boeing's 2025 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) projects the region's airlines will need nearly 1,400 widebody passenger jets by 2044 – the largest share of new deliveries of all global regions – as they expand global connectivity with newer, more fuel-efficient fleets. The aviation sector in the Middle East is positioned for unprecedented growth over the next two decades, with total aviation-related jobs projected to increase by 134%, the highest growth rate of any region globally, according to a comprehensive white paper released by Aviation Business ME and GE Aerospace. The Middle East is the sixth largest region in the world based on available capacity, with 270 million one-way seats in 2024 placing the region ahead of Eastern Europe and behind South Asia. For the travel trade, these airports determine route economics, passenger flows, alliance strategies, and destination growth. This ranking reflects not just passenger numbers, but hub influence, airline dominance, infrastructure maturity, and strategic relevance to international travel and tourism. Dubai International Airport (DXB), United Arab Emirates Dubai International Airport remains the Middle East’s defining aviation hub. Despite capacity constraints, DXB continues to dominate international passenger traffic, underpinned by Emirates’ vast long-haul network and Dubai’s enduring appeal as a global destination. For the travel trade, DXB’s importance is structural rather than cyclical: it anchors intercontinental itineraries, sustains high-frequency connectivity, and sets benchmarks for transit efficiency and commercial performance. Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Hamad International Airport has built its reputation on precision rather than scale alone. As the hub of Qatar Airways, DOH has become a preferred transfer point for premium and long-haul travellers, reinforced by consistent global awards and operational reliability. Its influence lies in yield quality, alliance relevance, and service consistency — attributes that continue to resonate strongly with airlines and trade partners alike. Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), United Arab Emirates The opening of Terminal A marked a turning point for Abu Dhabi International Airport. Long positioned behind its Gulf neighbours, AUH is now structurally equipped to compete at scale, supported by Etihad Airways’ recalibrated network strategy. For the travel trade, Abu Dhabi’s renewed momentum signals a market transitioning from ambition to execution. King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Saudi Arabia Riyadh has emerged as the centre of gravity in Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion. King Khalid International Airport sits at the heart of Vision 2030, serving a fast-growing outbound market while positioning itself as a future intercontinental hub. Its rising relevance is less about current volumes and more about trajectory — a factor trade planners can no longer ignore. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia Jeddah’s role is both historic and strategic. As the primary gateway for Hajj and Umrah, King Abdulaziz International Airport handles some of the world’s most complex seasonal traffic flows. Beyond religious travel, it is increasingly tied to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism ambitions. Few airports globally combine such operational intensity with long-term destination significance. Cairo International Airport (CAI), Egypt Cairo International Airport remains one of the most important aviation hubs linking the Middle East with Africa. High passenger volumes, strong VFR demand, and EgyptAir’s network breadth continue to anchor its position despite infrastructure pressures. For the travel trade, Cairo is a volume-driven market with enduring regional relevance. Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Kuwait Kuwait International Airport has quietly strengthened its role through phased expansion and improved passenger facilities. While not a mega-hub, it serves a resilient outbound market and remains strategically important for regional and South Asian connectivity. Its value lies in consistency rather than scale. Muscat International Airport (MCT), Oman Muscat International Airport reflects a different model of regional aviation — measured growth, strong national branding, and selective route development. As Oman Air’s hub, it supports a tourism strategy focused on culture, nature, and premium leisure rather than mass transit. For the trade, Muscat is increasingly relevant to curated, high-value itineraries. Bahrain International Airport (BAH), Bahrain Bahrain International Airport punches above its weight operationally. Its modern terminal and efficient processes support a steady mix of business, regional, and connecting traffic, reinforcing Bahrain’s role as a financial and commercial centre. Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED), Saudi Arabia Serving Medina, this airport’s importance is defined by purpose rather than scale. It is a critical node in global religious travel, handling intense seasonal demand with increasing efficiency as Saudi Arabia invests further in pilgrimage infrastructure. SAFFA Fund has committed up to $30 million in a sustainable aviation fuel project being developed by SAF One Energy Management, marking a significant step toward establishing SAF production capacity in the Middle East. Together, these airports illustrate the Middle East’s aviation model: hub concentration, airline-driven growth, and sustained infrastructure investment. For the global travel trade, their influence extends well beyond geography — shaping fares, routings, capacity decisions, and destination development worldwide. As fleet expansion, tourism diversification, and policy liberalisation continue, the region’s airports are set to remain among the most consequential in global aviation. The launch of Riyadh Air is one of the most interesting disruptions in the Middle East market, alongside the planned growth of rival Saudi airline Saudia. In the next article we will explore how competition is fuelling growth for ME airlines!
Dubai Airport crowned world’s No.1 for food & retail in 2025 AirHelp Score
Dual horizontal escalators smoothly guide travelers to the departure gate in the airport. The UAE is flying high, with both Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports securing spots in the world’s top 20 airports, according to a newly released global ranking by AirHelp, the travel tech company supporting passengers with flight disruptions. Dubai International Airport has been ranked the world’s number one airport for food & shops, scoring 9.1 out of 10, while securing 18th place worldwide with a notable 8.14 points overall. Abu Dhabi Airport follows closely behind, securing 19th place globally and scoring 8.11 points. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp commented: "At AirHelp, we believe passengers should be able to make decisions about air travel based on more than just the price of a flight. Our goal is to equip them with an insight into flight performance using other factors that matter. Through the AirHelp Score, we can help passengers better predict what their experience will look like at different airports and what they can do if their flight gets delayed, cancelled or overbooked.” The 2025 AirHelp Score ranks 250 airports across 68 countries. The data highlights a strong surge from the Middle East, with eight airports breaking into the global top 20 - a significant jump from just two in 2024 which reflects the region’s growing excellence in aviation. Airports were assessed in three key categories of Punctuality, Customer Opinions, and Food & Shops. Cape Town International Airport in South Africa ranked the world’s top-performing airport, achieving an impressive 8.57 points overall. Middle East on the rise Leading the Middle East is Doha Hamad International Airport in Qatar, which earned an impressive 8.52 points, securing second place globally and the title of the region’s top-performing airport. The airport also came out on top when evaluating the largest airports, handling over 250,000 flights each year. Close behind is Riyadh King Khaled International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which made a remarkable leap from 33rd to 3rd place worldwide, with a score of 8.47, making it the second-highest ranked in the Middle East and across the largest global airports. Muscat International Airport in Oman follows closely with the same score, placing it third in the Middle East and fifth overall. Since 2015, the AirHelp Score has helped passengers make more informed decisions by ranking the performance of airlines and airports worldwide. Similarly to last year, and to better serve passengers ahead of the busy summer months, airport and airline rankings will be published separately, ensuring passengers have timely access to the latest airport performance data.
From Muscat to the Maasai: SalamAir’s first African route takes off with inaugural Nairobi flight
SalamAir, Oman’s leading low-cost airline, has officially launched its first-ever flight connecting Muscat to Nairobi, Kenya, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into Africa. The inaugural flight landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where a welcoming ceremony was attended by key dignitaries from both nations, emphasizing the route’s importance in strengthening economic, tourism, and cultural ties between Oman and Kenya. The official ceremony in Nairobi was held under the patronage of Mohamed Daghar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Transport in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport, alongside Her Excellency Nasra Salim Mohamed Al Hashmi, the Omani Ambassador to Kenya, and His Excellency Abdi Aden Korio, the Kenyan Ambassador to Oman. Boosting tourism ties between Oman and Kenya Talking about the new route, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, stated: "This expansion supports our vision of linking Oman with key global destinations, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. Nairobi is a bustling economic hub with tremendous business opportunities and rich tourism experiences, and we are excited to offer passengers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two nations.” The new Muscat-Nairobi route will cater to both business and leisure travellers, while also providing seamless onward connections from Nairobi to the GCC and the Indian subcontinent, broadening travel options for passengers in both regions. Growing network Since its launch in 2017, the carrier has rapidly expanded, now operating 13 Airbus A320 family aircraft across six domestic destinations in Oman and 37 international cities in 18 countries. The airline has been named Oman’s Most Trusted Brand for three consecutive years (2022-2024). Nairobi is expected to be the first of several destinations in East Africa as SalamAir expands its footprint across the region, offering affordable and accessible travel between the Gulf and Africa.
Air India Express to be first airline to operate from two airports in Delhi-NCR
Strengthening connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR), Air India Express has announced the addition of Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, to its growing network. With this expansion, Air India Express will operate from two airports in NCR; Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and Hindon Airport (HDO). The airline will commence services from Hindon on March 1, 2025, with direct flights to Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata. Situated in Ghaziabad, Hindon Airport provides a convenient alternative for travellers from Central and East Delhi, Noida, and nearby areas such as Akshardham, Anand Vihar, Parliament Street and Central Secretariat, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Indirapuram, Karol Bagh, Vaishali and surrounding regions. For those flying in from Bengaluru, Goa, and Kolkata, Hindon Airport ensures quicker access to key areas in the National Capital Region. It also makes air travel more accessible to a broader population, particularly aspiring travellers from western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, including cities such as Bareilly, Bijnor, Dehradun, Haridwar, Hapur, Meerut, Moradabad, Mussoorie, Muzaffarnagar, Rampur, and Saharanpur. Bookings for the new flights are now open on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, as well as other major booking platforms, with attractive inaugural fares starting at ₹4,400 for Hindon–Kolkata, ₹4,900 for Hindon–Goa and Goa–Hindon, ₹5,500 for Kolkata–Hindon, ₹6,000 for Bengaluru–Hindon, and ₹6,200 for Hindon–Bengaluru. Schedule Effective from March 01, 2025 (all timings are local) Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Hindon Bengaluru 15:45 18:40 Daily except Saturday Bengaluru Hindon 12:40 15:15 Daily except Saturday Hindon Goa 10:30 13:15 Daily Goa Hindon 14:00 16:40 Daily except Saturday Hindon Kolkata 17:20 19:40 Daily except Saturday Kolkata Hindon 07:10 09:30 Daily With this expansion, Air India Express becomes the first airline in India to operate from two airports within the same metropolitan region, reinforcing the benefits of multiple airports in major metros for improved connectivity, increased competition, and greater affordability for travellers. Besides Hindon Airport, Air India Express operates over 320 flights weekly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, connecting 17 domestic and four international destinations- Bahrain, Dammam, Muscat, Sharjah. Air India Express continues its rapid expansion, with a 30% growth in its winter schedule over last year, operating over 400 daily flights. Backed by a fast-growing fleet nearing the 100-aircraft milestone, the airline now serves 50+ destinations, recently adding Bangkok, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Patna
Oman flights: New boarding rule announced at Muscat airport
Muscat International Airport in Oman has introduced stricter rules for passengers travelling to or via the country while boarding. Set to begin from August 4, 2024, the new change includes an adjustment to the timings in the boarding pass system (PBS) area, which is located after the check-in counters and before passport control. Passengers will not be allowed to pass through this checkpoint after 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The departure gates on the other hand will continue to close 20 minutes before the departure time, as done previously. The airport informed travellers of the new change in a notice, that has been made to ensure smooth processing of procedures as well as timely departure of flights. The time duration change will allow passengers to complete passport control and security check more efficiently. All travellers have been advised to adhere to the change to ensure a smooth journey. Oman Air, the Sultunate's local airline, also put out a notice after the airport's announcement, informing them of the same. Their check-in procedures "remain unchanged and will close 60 minutes before flight departure time". Source: Khaleej Times
10 Design appointed lead architect for LA VIE, in Muscat, Oman
10 Design has unveiled its design for LA VIE in Muscat, Oman, a modern mixed-use destination delivering business, leisure, wellness, and sports opportunities amidst panoramic views of the Muscat Hills Golf Course. A 10-minute drive from Muscat International Airport, and near residential urban centers and Muscat’s central business district, the development celebrates the region’s natural beauty while providing visitors and the local community an array of modern golf experiences, year-round family-friendly activities, and a variety of F&B options to enhance daily life. Developed by Oman Real Estate Investment Services LLC (ORIS), the real estate arm of Oman’s leading Investment Company, Ominvest, the master-planned development is comprised of Tivoli Muscat Hotel & Residences – including 80 hotel keys and 100 branded residences – along with 22 apartments, office space and clubhouse amenities, overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course nestled in a prime location between the mesmerizing Sea of Oman and the majestic Al-Hajar mountains. “Inspired by landforms embraced by a coastline, we wanted to bring the green to the terraces and the roofs of the buildings, blurring the boundaries between architecture and nature, for a truly immersive experience,” said Design Principal, José Cláudio Silva. “While traditionally, stacked, tall buildings can feel disconnected from surrounding context, our intimately scaled design leverages cascading terraces and walkable slopes to bring people together, stimulate the senses, and invite engagement.” A modern home for golf, wellness, and leisure in Oman With a strategic location that will draw a diverse set of travelers arriving to play golf and locals seeking memorable experiences with family and friends, the design is centered around the sport of golf while integrating exceptional residential, commercial, and tourism buildings within a built-up area of 64,000 square meters. The centerpiece of the development is a new 80-room boutique hotel and 100 fully serviced apartments managed by Tivoli, serviced with an elegant 70-meter rooftop pool, fitness center, ballroom, four meeting rooms, and an Anantara spa. The residential complex also includes 22 apartments and eight independent luxury villas, the latter with ground-level or rooftop pools showcasing picturesque views of the golf course and mountains. Providing guests and residents eclectic dining and shopping experiences, a range of F&B options – including a rooftop bar and restaurant, lobby lounge café, sports bar, and all-day dining restaurant – will be complemented by 2,800 square meters of retail space hosting a variety of international brands. For the golf-driven hospitality environments of today and tomorrow, designers are tasked with creating vibrant backdrops for social events and gatherings that will resonate with multifaceted, multigenerational audiences. In collaboration with ORIS, 10 Design created a welcoming, social atmosphere where the Tivoli hotel is programmed for events and weddings and the design affords opportunities for ballroom activities to spill out to areas overlooking the golf course. “We’re honored to collaborate with ORIS in creating a world-class destination where the mountains and sea provide a cinematic backdrop for vibrant hospitality environments and a highly amenitized golf experience,” said José Cláudio Silva. “Our design invites a multigenerational audience of golfers, travelers, and residents to access a new world of golf leisure in a prime location experiencing growth and transformation.” An inviting design that ushers in a new future for golf The property’s international standard golf club, LA VIE Club, is poised to be one of the premier golf facilities within the region, with a fully reimagined 18-hole golf course surrounded by spectacular views and lush nature. Reflecting an evolution in golf club and golf course design, the club caters to beginner and elite golfers of all ages. In addition to the course, LA VIE Club features the first TopTracer Driving Range in Oman, offering fun, tech-driven experiences such as interactive games and virtual golf courses so that golfers of all ability levels can practice and improve their game in a user-friendly, informal setting. Echoing this ethos of accessibility and approachability, the new scheme by 10 Design brings the golf environment inside the development through two L-shaped pockets, with the first nine and the last nine holes of the golf course connected to the building form. The fluid exterior wraps around and anchors large green public spaces, creating a distinctive silhouette for the site-specific golf course, which integrates the natural valley terrain. The building orientation maximizes the natural wind from the southwest and reduces energy needs, with sun shading devices that minimize solar heat gain. In addition to implementing evaporative cooling techniques through strategically placed water features, the design leverages the capabilities of the site and maximizes views, while creating an intimate environment for users. Inspired by the textures and colors of traditional Omani cities, the expressive forms by 10 Design showcase materials familiar to the locale, with a combination of white surfaces complemented by warm local stones and rich wood finishes. The full structure is slated for completion at the end of 2024, with an anticipated opening of Q1 2026.
Travelex launches more than 75 new international bureaux, kiosks and ATMs worldwide
Travelex, the market leading foreign exchange brand, is investing in more than 75 new bureaux, kiosks and ATMs internationally as global travel continues to rebound. In Europe, Travelex has significantly expanded its ATM network with new ATMs across Berlin, Frankfurt and Zurich airports, as well as over a dozen ATMs across the Netherlands’ national railway network. Travelex has also celebrated its 30th anniversary in Germany this year (its first German store opened in Frankfurt in 1993); and announced contract extensions for both its bureaux at Hamburg Airport and its tax refund business in the Netherlands. In the UK, Travelex has launched two firsts: its first ever bureau at a UK rail station with a new branch at London Paddington, and a first-of-its-kind automated, self-service, FX kiosk at London Heathrow that requires no human interaction. Furthermore, a new store has been opened at Edinburgh Airport, an extensive bureaux refresh has been undertaken across part of Travelex’s UK estate, and new three metre LED walls have also been developed for Heathrow terminals 3 and 5. In recent months Travelex has also undertaken extensive investment across the Middle East. In the UAE, Travelex has launched a series of new bureaux and On-The-Move kiosks across airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as well as the Mina Rashid sea port, in addition to investing in the refurbishment and expansion of existing stores at Sharjah airport. Furthermore, Travelex is in the process of launching a dozen new ATMs across the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal, Dubai International and the new Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A. In terms of a retail footprint expansion in the Middle East, Oman saw a launch of a new Travelex pre-immigration store at Muscat International Airport in October 2023. The new store comes as Travelex celebrated its 20th anniversary in Oman this year. In the UAE, a new flagship Landside Arrivals store has opened in Dubai International’s Terminal 3, and at Abu Dhabi seven new stores and eight ATMs have opened to coincide with the inauguration of the new Abu Dhabi International Airport – Terminal A which will serve as the capital city’s main airport. In Asia, two new stores have been launched at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), taking the total number of retail stores in Malaysia to ten, while two further stores are also set to be launched at Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 1 in the coming months. In Japan, Travelex has introduced its prepaid foreign currency card, the Travelex Travel Money Card, to the local market, and also celebrated its 20th anniversary in the country. Travelex has opened six new stores in Australia and three in New Zealand. Travelex has also partnered with both Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) to offer its 1.2m customers access to discounted travel money. In Brazil, Travelex has continued to invest in and expand its operations with seven new stores launched nationwide, including in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Travelex now operates over 125 stores across the country, with further openings planned for the coming months. The new bureaux openings follow Travelex’s recent announcement of a £90m refinancing package. With international travel now at 93.1% of pre-Covid levels, and demand for travel – particularly among emerging markets – continuing to accelerate, Travelex is now working to further expand its retail offering, develop new wholesale relationships and increase investment into both its digital transformation and further product innovation. Richard Wazacz, Travelex CEO, said: “Customer convenience is at the heart of everything Travelex stands for, and so we’re thrilled to be investing in the growth of our retail store operations. This investment, along with the recent news of our £90m refinancing, is a clear statement that both travel, and Travelex, are on the rise once again.”
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