Salalah Airport officially opens in Oman

Muscat: Oman’s Salalah Airport was officially inaugurated on Wednesday under the patronage of Sayyid Shihab Bin Tariq Al Sayyid, Sultan’s Qaboos advisor for Climate Affairs.

The opening coincided with the country’s celebration of its 45th national day.

Ahmad Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communication, said that the total cost of the airport was 365 million riyals (Dh3.48 billion).

The Salalah Airport will boost the civil aviation sector in Oman.

Al Futaisi pointed out the Salalah Airport will boost investment, economy and tourism in Dhofar governorate.

He added that the airport is considered one of the mega projects in the country, and took four years of planning and hardwork.

He explained that the airport was built on more than 150,000 square metres.

It started operations on June 15.

The new airport boasts state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that place it among the most modern airports in the world.

The passenger terminal is spread over 65,000 square metres and will serve over two million travellers a year during the first stage. The main runway is 4km long and 75 metres wide and can receive the largest airplanes including the A380.

The airport also boasts the latest air navigation technology including auto-landing devices besides retail stores, restaurants and other facilities. It also boasts a VIP lounge and a car parking area that can accommodate 2,200 vehicles, including VIP and taxi parking lots.

The new airport aims to enhance Salalah’s tourism potential.