Latest news with #AlAmri
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Oman Airports In Talks With Wizz Air For Direct Europe-To-Muscat Flights
Oman Airports is in advanced talks with European low-cost airline Wizz Air to operate direct flights between European cities and the Sultanate, following the carrier's decision to end its Abu Dhabi operations by September, according to the Oman News Agency (ONA). Engineer Ahmed Said Al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, confirmed the negotiations, stating that discussions include potential routes linking Muscat to European hubs, including Budapest. 'We are seriously exploring the possibility of launching direct flights from various European airports to Oman — whether via Budapest or other cities,' Al Amri was quoted as saying by ONA. The talks come at a strategic moment, with Wizz Air set to wind down its presence in the Gulf and re-focus on core European markets. The potential Muscat expansion reflects both the airline's shift in focus and Oman's growing appeal as a regional aviation and tourism hub. Al Amri noted that attracting global carriers is part of Oman Airports' broader strategy to diversify revenue streams, improve operational efficiency, and support national objectives in aviation, logistics, and tourism. If finalised, the new routes would strengthen Oman's connectivity to Europe and potentially increase tourist traffic, reinforcing the Sultanate's position as a gateway to the Gulf and beyond.
Observer
5 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman Airports push for more direct international flights
MUSCAT: Oman Airports is actively working to attract more international carriers to operate direct flights to various airports across the Sultanate of Oman, aiming to boost airport revenues and enhance overall operational performance. Eng Ahmed bin Saeed al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, announced that discussions are underway with budget airline Wizz Air to launch direct routes from European cities—potentially including Budapest—to Oman. He indicated a high level of interest from the airline to commence operations soon. In addition, cooperation is ongoing with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Oman to bring China Eastern Airlines to Muscat, with potential routes from Shanghai or Guangzhou. Parallel discussions are also being held with LOT Polish Airlines to establish direct flights between Muscat and Warsaw, with coordination underway between the Civil Aviation Authority and its Polish counterpart. Al Amri noted that Oman Airports, together with Oman Air, is currently studying the Vietnamese market to assess the feasibility and benefits of launching new routes. Regarding Salalah Airport, he highlighted a substantial increase in passenger numbers this year, particularly during the Khareef (monsoon) season, which sees a surge in domestic flights and routes from GCC countries. The winter season is also attracting direct flights from Scandinavian and Eastern European nations such as Belarus. At Muscat International Airport, the CEO reported that passenger volumes are steadily recovering and now exceed pre-COVID levels. However, he noted a slight decline in transit passenger numbers due to Oman Air reducing its flight frequency and fleet size. Al Amri also spoke about Oman Airports' strategic agreement with Singapore's Changi Airport to strengthen commercial and aviation-related revenues across Omani airports. The agreement includes plans to review all revenue streams, including aircraft parking charges and jet bridge usage. Furthermore, Oman Airports has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Malaysian company to explore investment and development opportunities on lands located within the Muscat International Airport zone. — ONA
Observer
17-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman, Changi airports sign pact to increase passenger experience
Muscat: The agreement signed between Oman Airports and Changi Airport of the Republic of Singapore aims to increase revenues by expanding both aeronautical and non-aeronautical activities within and outside the terminal premises of Muscat International Airport. Eng Ahmed bin Said al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, stated to the Observer, "We are focusing on the commercial aspect of the business by attracting new airlines and positioning Muscat International Airport as a hub for other airlines. This will increase our revenues through the existing facilities." Changi Airport, which serves over 68 million passengers annually and generates revenues of over $2 billion, is globally recognised as one of the best airports in the world. It has received numerous international awards, including being named the World's Best Airport for twelve consecutive years (2012–2020), and is ranked second worldwide for the quality of its retail services, according to Al Amri. He continued, "The agreement will involve developing strategies to enhance the passenger experience at the airport and increase its utilisation. It will also involve training Omanis to benefit from Changi's experience and apply it to our airport." Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airport, said, "We will utilise our industry experience, network and connections to boost passenger traffic and revenues at Muscat International Airport, which has relatively new infrastructure." Regarding potential projects, Gan mentioned, "It may be premature to provide specific details, but we are considering projects such as theme parks as part of our strategy. There are other possibilities both within the terminal building and outside, including cargo-related businesses." Oman Airports also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian company WCT International. It will focus on expanding hospitality, entertainment, interactive experiences, and other mixed-use services to increase land investment value and enhance returns from direct and joint ventures.
Observer
16-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Airport pact to increase passenger experience
Muscat, July 16 The agreement signed between Oman Airports and Changi Airport of the Republic of Singapore aims to increase revenues by expanding both aeronautical and non-aeronautical activities within and outside the terminal premises of Muscat International Airport. Eng Ahmed bin Said al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, stated to the Observer, "We are focusing on the commercial aspect of the business by attracting new airlines and positioning Muscat International Airport as a hub for other airlines. This will increase our revenues through the existing facilities." Changi Airport, which serves over 68 million passengers annually and generates revenues of over $2 billion, is globally recognised as one of the best airports in the world. It has received numerous international awards, including being named the World's Best Airport for twelve consecutive years (2012–2020) and is ranked second worldwide for the quality of its retail services, according to Al Amri. He continued, "The agreement will involve developing strategies to enhance the passenger experience at the airport and increase its utilisation. It will also involve training Omanis to benefit from Changi's experience and apply it to our airport." Eugene Gan, CEO of Changi Airport, said, "We will utilise our industry experience, network and connections to boost passenger traffic and revenues at Muscat International Airport, which has relatively new infrastructure." Regarding potential projects, Gan mentioned, "It may be premature to provide specific details, but we are considering projects such as theme parks as part of our strategy. There are other possibilities both within the terminal building and outside, including cargo-related businesses." Oman Airports also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian company WCT International. It will focus on expanding hospitality, entertainment, interactive experiences, and other mixed-use services to increase land investment value and enhance returns from direct and joint ventures.
Observer
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman highlights oceans role as carbon sinks
NICE: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France. In Oman's speech, Dr Al Amri highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's pioneering efforts in preserving marine environments, protecting oceans and safeguarding marine biodiversity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that Oman was among the first countries to prioritise environmental protection, having issued 'the first legislation to protect marine environments from pollution" 53 years ago. The country has also established 'marine protected areas" spanning over 90,000 square kilometres to protect endangered species such as humpback whales and sea turtles. Additionally, Oman has banned all types of plastic shopping bags and set 2050 as its target year for achieving net-zero emissions. He pointed out that Oman launched the 'Oman Blue Carbon Project" to plant 100 million mangrove trees, aimed at carbon sequestration and protecting coastal ecosystems. These efforts have earned Oman high rankings in global environmental assessments. Furthermore, Oman was elected President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) for its seventh session. He reaffirmed Oman's commitment to supporting "SDG 14", which focuses on conserving oceans and marine resources, including backing the 'Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement." Dr Al Amri also emphasised the need to remind the international community of the oceans' critical role as 'a major carbon sink," stressing Oman's dedication to supporting global efforts to maintain ocean health and sustain marine biodiversity. The conference's agenda included an opening session where Oman presented its national statement, outlining its stance on global marine issues while reaffirming support for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the Nice Action Plan. The five-day conference features 10 parallel high-level sessions (Ocean Action Panels) addressing various topics, including marine and coastal ecosystems, marine science and capacity-building, ocean financing and climate action. The event also includes exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational, economic and scientific activities. The third UN Ocean Conference, running until June 13, aims to accelerate global action to protect oceans and achieve SDG 14 (Life Below Water). — ONA
