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

The Royal Opera House in Muscat, Oman, a grand white building with classical architecture, set against a clear blue sky with a flag on top and colorful flowerbeds in front.

Royal Opera House Muscat

8 min read

The Royal Opera House Muscat is considered a gem in Oman’s cultural landscape, captivating travelers from around the world. Since its opening in 2011, it has not only established itself as a leading center for music and performance in the Middle East but also as an architectural masterpiece that combines traditional Omani elements with modern design. For culture enthusiasts and discerning travelers, the Opera House offers an unparalleled experience, harmoniously blending art, architecture, and luxury. With its diverse programming, unique architecture, and top-notch service, the Royal Opera Hou...

A sunset scene at Salalah with a lone palm tree, a paved walkway, parked cars, and a person walking along the street.

Salalah

2 min read

The fertile Salalah plain around the modern metropolis in southern Oman is a popular travel destination for many Omanis from the north of the country, but also for Europeans and other travelers from around the world. The region around the capital of the Dhofar province provides its very own climatic conditions. Every year during the monsoon season from mid-June to September, the already fertile soil of the region is heavily watered by the monsoon rains. However, the rain showers here fall differently than in other regions of the world that are partially plagued by monsoon winds. For here, the ...

A palm tree near a seaside street during sunset in Salalah.

Salalah and the South

9 min read

The region of Salalah and southern Oman offers travelers a stunning variety of experiences, setting it apart from other parts of the country. During the Khareef monsoon season, from June to September, this area transforms into a tropical paradise with lush vegetation and vibrant green landscapes—a true oasis in the otherwise dry expanses of Oman. Fertile soils allow for the cultivation of exotic fruits like coconuts, bananas, and papayas, contributing to a lively and fruitful environment....