Oman Airports Expands European Routes, Plans Nordic Focus by 2026

Oman Airports is accelerating its European expansion after Muscat International handled 12.9 million passengers in 2024 and Salalah exceeded pre-pandemic levels, targeting underserved central and eastern European LCC markets (Budapest, Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Bucharest, Bratislava), new Western European points including Spain and Portugal, and additional Russian services via Azimuth, while planning Nordic market pushes from 2026 and launching new airline partnerships (Iraqi Airways, China Eastern, Neos). Kuwait and Turkey are deepening economic and investment ties following recent high-level visits, with Turkish investment officials briefing Kuwaiti business leaders on trade, defense, tourism and wider investment opportunities to unlock bilateral B2B cooperation. At the ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation held bilateral talks with China, Brazil and Singapore to attract passenger and cargo carriers, explore new routes (including potential Kuwait–Brazil and Kuwait–Singapore services), and tap foreign expertise in airport management and cargo operations to position Kuwait International Airport as a regional hub. Regional carriers are also forging closer commercial links: Turkish Airlines and Gulf Air signed an MoU to expand cooperation across strategic partnership frameworks, possible joint ventures, reciprocal loyalty benefits and ground handling services, reflecting wider industry moves to boost connectivity in the Gulf and beyond.