Silhouettes of two people sitting in an airport waiting area at Muscat Airport, overlooking the runway through large windows.

Muscat Airport

Muscat Airport

Written by: Nils Lindhorst Last updated at: May 21, 2025

Muscat International Airport (IATA code MCT) is located a few kilometers outside the capital in Seeb and was known until 2008 as Seeb International Airport. However, since people have long stopped speaking only of the city itself when referring to the capital Muscat but rather the entire capital region, it was only logical that the airport for the region was renamed accordingly. Muscat International Airport is the most important airport in Oman. It handles the largest number of passengers annually, and it is also the main hub for the international flights to Oman.

From Provincial Airfield to International Airport

When Sultan Qaboos took over the government in the country nearly fifty years ago and the first oil reserves were just being discovered, international connectivity via airports was hardly conceivable. An appropriateinfrastructuredid not exist or was barely there. In the early years of the new Sultan's reign, significant portions of the revenue from oil sales were therefore invested in creating exactly such structural developments. For this reason, the Muscat Airport was commissioned in 1972 – then designed for just a few travelers and the shipment and import of goods. Meanwhile, the airport has been expanded multiple times and can certainly measure itself against other medium-sized airports on an international level.

Developments at Muscat Airport

At the end of 2014, a new runway was built to ensure that the Airbus A380 could land in Muscat. Most recently, a new terminal was completed in early 2018. As a result, the airport's capacity has now increased to 20 million passengers per year. Furthermore, Muscat Airport serves the internationally operating airline Oman Air and the low-cost carrier Salam Air as their home airport and hub for their flights from Europe to the Middle East and Asia.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

A historic fortress with high walls and towers under a clear sky, featuring a flag at the top.

Jabrin Castle

2 min read

The Jabrin Castle is a residential fortress that was built in 1670 by Sultan bin Saif al-Ya'arubi. What visitors find on-site is more than just another fort or a small pre-Islamic fortress, like many can be found in Oman. The residential fortress of Jabrin can rightly be referred to as a castle. The old mud palace offers a whole range of interesting and unexpected sights and anecdotes about its builder and the people who once lived here. Already special in its construction Barely another fortress in Oman can showcase such precision and grace in the design of its decorations. The arabesques o...

Tourists swimming and relaxing in a rocky canyon with clear water under a blue sky

Oman Tourism

2 min read

The Sultanate of Oman on the Arabian Peninsula is continuously developing its tourism in a sustainable way. The philosophy here is fundamentally different from that of the neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates. In Oman, there are few hotels, which are, however, of very high standard. The image is shaped by a few luxury hotels while simple hotels or guesthouses are rarely seen. A study by the World Economic Forum (published in April 2017) ranks Oman ninth in terms of tourism growth. The character of gentle tourism remains, as the hotels adapt to the traditional image of Oman a...

Sunset over the mountains in Muscat, Oman, with the sun setting behind the horizon and a small building visible on the right hill.

Muscat Capital Region

10 min read

Cultural Highlights and Unique Experiences in and around Muscat Muscat, the capital of Oman, is renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and modern architecture but also for its deep-rooted culture and history. For discerning travelers, the city offers exclusive cultural experiences that provide a unique insight into the nation’s rich past and traditions. From majestic fortresses to private tours and one-of-a-kind encounters, Muscat presents a myriad of opportunities to experience Omani culture at its finest....