Muscat Airport has struggled with a small, overcrowded and outdated terminal for many years, but all that’s about to change. Luigi Vallero previews what’s to come.
FEATURE MUSCAT
Visions of the shining edifices of Dubai and Doha are the first that come to mind when travellers think of airport terminals in the Middle East. But it isn’t all glitz and glamour, and Muscat – along with its neighbours Bahrain and Abu Dhabi – has been racing to complete a new building that will be among the best in the region.
Its opening will take place shortly, and with most of the facilities complete, the Omani authorities have been offering invited guests a preview of what will be on offer. Oman Airport Management Company (OAMC) provided Airports of the World with a tour of the airport during an Airports Council International conference, held in Muscat between December 5 and 7.
Work on the project began as far back as 2008, and after its initial phase opens it will be capable of handling 12m ppa. Further expansion is being considered, with the next steps likely to take throughput to 24m ppa, and ultimately 48m ppa when demand dictates.
It’s also been designed to ICAO category 4F standards, which facilitate Airbus A380s, an…
