Sohar Airport Set for Major Expansion
Muscat, Oman — Oman is preparing to strengthen air connectivity in the north of the Sultanate with plans for a new passenger terminal at Sohar Airport, a move that could open the door to more regional destinations and provide travelers with alternatives to flying through Muscat.
The planned expansion was announced by Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, during media discussions on September 15, 2026. According to the minister, Sohar Airport is expected to take on a larger role in supporting regional air services.
New Terminal to Transform Sohar Connectivity
The proposed passenger terminal is part of efforts to develop Sohar as a stronger regional aviation hub.
For residents and businesses in northern Oman, greater flight availability from Sohar could make international travel more convenient by reducing the need to travel to Muscat International Airport for certain regional journeys.
The expansion also reflects wider efforts to strengthen Oman’s transport infrastructure and improve connections between the Sultanate and neighboring markets.
New Destinations Could Be Announced Soon
One of the most anticipated aspects of the plan is the possibility of new international routes from Sohar.
The Transport Minister said that new routes are expected to be announced before the end of 2026. Potential destinations mentioned include:
- 🇸🇦 Dammam, Saudi Arabia
- 🇵🇰 Gwadar, Pakistan
- 🇮🇷 Southern Iran
These destinations could create additional travel opportunities for passengers while supporting business, tourism and regional economic links.
Importantly, these destinations have been identified as potential routes; final flight schedules and airline operations have yet to be announced.
A New Travel Option for Northern Oman
Sohar is strategically positioned in northern Oman and is already an important industrial, logistics and commercial center.
Greater use of Sohar Airport could complement the city’s wider economic role. Improved air connections could benefit companies, investors, workers, tourists and families who regularly travel between Oman and nearby regional markets.
The development also comes as Oman continues to expand and modernize its transport infrastructure, including major road, rail, port and aviation projects.
Sohar’s Growing Strategic Importance
The airport expansion comes alongside other major developments around Sohar.
The planned Oman-UAE railway connection, for example, will link Sohar with the UAE rail network through Al Buraimi and Al Ain. Trial operations are expected in the fourth quarter of 2027, according to the Transport Minister.
Together, developments in aviation, rail, ports and logistics could further strengthen Sohar’s position as an important transportation and commercial gateway.
What Travelers Can Expect
If the planned expansion moves forward as announced, travelers could eventually have more direct options from Sohar instead of making the journey to Muscat for selected regional destinations.
However, passengers should wait for official announcements before making travel plans based on the proposed routes.
The expected route announcements before the end of 2026 will provide greater clarity on destinations, airlines, flight frequencies and launch dates.
Sohar Airport’s Next Chapter
The proposed new passenger terminal represents another step in Oman’s efforts to develop a more connected and diversified transportation network.
With possible links to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and southern Iran, Sohar Airport could gain a larger role in regional aviation while creating new opportunities for northern Oman.
As Oman continues investing in infrastructure under its broader economic development strategy, the expansion of Sohar’s aviation network will be closely watched by travelers, businesses and the tourism sector.
The next major announcement could reveal just how far Sohar’s skies are set to expand.
Source: Statements by Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, as reported on September 15, 2026.