Gate News message, April 22 — Passenger traffic at Muscat International Airport, Oman’s main hub, fell nearly 40 percent in March 2026 compared with January 2026 due to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran and subsequent airspace closures across the Gulf region. International passenger arrivals dropped from 1.2 million in January to 728,588 in March, according to data from Oman’s National Center for Statistics and Information cited by the Oman Observer.
Flight operations also declined sharply, with the number of flights falling from 7,594 in January to 5,515 in March. Despite regional disruptions, Oman kept its airports operational, with state-backed Oman Air and budget carrier Salam Air providing ground transport from Sharjah to evacuate stranded tourists from the UAE. Combined passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2026 fell 2.4 percent to 2.86 million from 2.93 million in 2025.
Looking ahead, Oman signed $130 million in investment agreements this month to develop a new “airport city” around Muscat International Airport. In March, the government completed its acquisition of SalamAir to streamline the aviation sector. Under its 2040 strategy, Oman aims to handle over 40 million passengers annually, transport about 1 million tonnes of air cargo, and raise aviation’s contribution to GDP to more than 3.5 percent. Muscat International Airport handled 11.8 million passengers in 2025, accounting for 80 percent of Oman’s total 14.9 million passengers.
Disclaimer: The information on this page may come from third parties and does not represent the views or opinions of Gate. The content displayed on this page is for reference only and does not constitute any financial, investment, or legal advice. Gate does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and shall not be liable for any losses arising from the use of this information. Virtual asset investments carry high risks and are subject to significant price volatility. You may lose all of your invested principal. Please fully understand the relevant risks and make prudent decisions based on your own financial situation and risk tolerance. For details, please refer to
Disclaimer.
Related Articles
Ripple Joins BIS Taskforce for Cross-Border Payments Interoperability
Summary: Ripple joins a BIS Payments taskforce to improve cross-border payment interoperability, contributing blockchain expertise to cut delays, fees, and opacity in global transfers.
Abstract: This note reports that Ripple has joined a BIS taskforce under the Payments and Market Infrastructure committee to address cross-border payment interoperability. The taskforce seeks to reduce delays, fees, and opacity across international settlements, with Ripple contributing its blockchain-based technology to help design scalable global frameworks.
GateNews24m ago
South Korea's Democratic Party Plans Stablecoin Legislation After June Local Elections
South Korea's Democratic Party aims to introduce the Digital Asset Basic Act to regulate stablecoins and the crypto ecosystem, with committee review likely around local elections; ongoing policy gaps may be offset by a supportive central bank stance.
South Korea's Democratic Party plans to submit the Digital Asset Basic Act after the June local elections, regulating stablecoins and the entire crypto ecosystem, including issuance, circulation, disclosure, and listing. While consensus on banking-led regulation and trading-platform equity lags, the central bank's positive stance on stablecoins could facilitate passage.
GateNews38m ago
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Vow Swift Response to Any Future Aggression
IRGC says it is on high alert and ready to deliver a decisive, swift response to threats and potential aggression, reaffirming its commitment to confronting hostile forces.
Abstract: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps states its forces are on high alert and prepared to mount a decisive, comprehensive, and swift response to threats or potential future aggression, underscoring deterrence and its ongoing confrontation of hostile forces as reported by Tasnim News Agency.
GateNews1h ago
Russia's State Duma Passes Cryptocurrency Regulation Bill on First Reading, Allows Cross-Border Crypto Settlement to Bypass Sanctions
Gate News message, April 22 — Russia's State Duma passed a cryptocurrency regulation bill on first reading, classifying cryptocurrencies as "property" and designating the Central Bank of Russia to oversee market participants' licensing and supervision. The bill introduces a tiered access mechanism f
GateNews1h ago
Privacy Protocol Umbra Shuts Down Frontend to Block Attackers from Laundering Stolen Kelp Funds
Gate News message, April 22 — Privacy protocol Umbra has shut down its frontend website to prevent attackers from using the protocol to transfer stolen funds following recent attacks, including the Kelp protocol breach that resulted in losses exceeding $280 million. Approximately $800,000 in stolen
GateNews2h ago
Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Indefinitely as Brent Hovers Near $100
Summary: Trump extends Iran ceasefire indefinitely to allow peace talks; oil prices steady near highs as Strait of Hormuz blockade persists; gold rises, stocks mixed amid negotiation uncertainty.
Abstract: President Trump announced an indefinite extension of the Iran ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, while Tehran reportedly did not request the extension and warned the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed. Oil prices remained near highs despite the blockade; gold rose; regional markets posted mixed results.
GateNews4h ago
