Oman Air has reported a remarkable near threefold increase in point-to-point passengers, soaring from 75,000 in June 2024 to 200,000 in June 2025. This leap marks a significant shift in the airline’s strategy, with 58% of all passengers now flying directly into Oman rather than transiting onward – the highest share among any airline in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
This achievement comes as part of a deliberate push by the national carrier to reposition itself as a gateway for inbound tourism, aligning with Oman’s broader economic and tourism ambitions.
Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, highlighted the airline’s evolving strategy: “A core pillar of our strategy is to increase point-to-point traffic; not simply by adding more flights, but by ensuring each flight brings more visitors directly to the country.”
“This growth is a direct result of disciplined route planning, targeted marketing, and a network strategy focused on stable demand rather than speculative expansion,” Rutter added. “It strengthens our bottom line and enables us to expand sustainably, all while boosting Oman’s status as a destination.”
The airline’s focus on inbound travel is delivering both economic and operational dividends. Increased direct arrivals mean higher tourism revenue, less reliance on transfer passengers, and stronger justification for long-term investments in air connectivity.
In 2025 alone, Oman Air has taken key steps to broaden its international footprint. Its most notable expansion includes a new route to Amsterdam, opening direct access to the high-spending Benelux market, and the return of double-daily flights to London from October. These additions reinforce its position as a premium carrier with a growing presence in Western Europe.
Furthermore, the airline’s recent membership in the oneworld Alliance is already bearing fruit. It now offers seamless global connectivity to over 700 destinations, including new target markets such as Japan, Australia, and North America.
Industry analysts say Oman Air’s performance in the point-to-point segment reflects not only a sound aviation strategy, but also the increased attractiveness of Oman as a destination. Government investment in tourism infrastructure – including heritage sites, luxury resorts, and improved road networks – has made the country more accessible and compelling to international visitors.
Rutter concluded, “We remain focused on keeping travel to Oman both accessible and attractive, while delivering on our promise to be an engine of Oman’s tourism growth.”
With its fleet renewal underway and service quality consistently ranked among the region’s best, Oman Air appears set to remain a central pillar of Oman’s tourism growth in the years ahead.
