Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by Oman Airports, is set to host the inaugural GCC Airports CEOs Forum at St. Regis Al Mouj, Muscat, on Wednesday, September 18. This event, marking the first edition of the forum this year, is a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering deeper cooperation among the airports of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The primary objectives of this forum are to propel economic growth and enhance the development of the aviation and air transport sector within the region, thereby benefiting the GCC populace and promoting economic integration.
The forum is designed to support the collective aspirations of GCC countries, encouraging bilateral coordination among their respective institutions. It is in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Gulf region, which emphasize the investment in infrastructure and the improvement of services to accommodate the anticipated increase in air travel and aviation activities. Furthermore, it complements the efforts of joint committees and ongoing initiatives within the airport sector.
Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni, the CEO of Oman Airports, has warmly welcomed the participation of the CEOs of GCC airports in this forum. He views this event as a crucial platform for strengthening cooperation and integration among Gulf airports. Al Hosni has emphasized that the forum underscores the commitment of the aviation sector in Oman and the GCC countries to collaborative endeavors within a comprehensive vision for the development of services and infrastructure within the sector, thereby driving sustainable development in the region.
He further stated, "The GCC Airports CEOs Forum will offer a significant opportunity to explore avenues for cooperation in areas such as innovation, digital transformation, and the exchange of expertise in human resources and talent development. Additionally, the forum will address strategies to enhance safety and security at airports, as well as to leverage the potential of the youth in the realms of innovation and institutional excellence."
Al Hosni, who held the position of Chairman of the Airports Council International (ACI) from 2020 to 2023, highlighted the remarkable progress made by GCC airports in recent years. He noted their ability to swiftly recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, which is a testament to their strategic planning and continuous investment in this critical sector.
He further elucidated that reports from international entities, such as Fitch Ratings, corroborate the observation that the aviation sector within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is experiencing sustained growth, bolstered by substantial investments and ambitious infrastructure development plans. This, in turn, augments financing prospects and propels development forward.
He elaborated on the fact that air travel across GCC airports witnessed a 20% increase in 2023 compared to the preceding year, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels by 8%. The strategic objectives of GCC nations include doubling air traffic by 2030, achieved through the expansion of infrastructure and the enhancement of operational capabilities.
Furthermore, he commended Oman's initiative to construct six new airports, scheduled to be completed by 2028-2029, which is expected to elevate the airports' capacity to approximately 50 million passengers annually.
He underscored that this initiative is in harmony with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which is focused on the enhancement of infrastructure and the development of the transport sector to foster sustainable development and solidify Oman's position as a regional hub for air transport.
He also noted the significant increase in passenger numbers at Muscat and Salalah airports, attributing this growth to the government's substantial investments in the infrastructure of the transport and aviation sectors, aimed at ensuring the sustainability of this expansion.
GCC airports are recognized globally as among the most strategically significant hubs in the aviation sector, owing to their unique geographical position that facilitates connections between continents and serves as pivotal links in international air traffic.
The anticipated GCC aviation bloc, which is poised to be formalized during this forum, is expected to bolster the global reputation of these airports by fostering joint cooperation and developing infrastructure, thereby opening avenues for wider economic and investment opportunities.
This regional collaboration not only enhances economic integration among GCC countries but also supports sustainable growth and the development of the aviation sector for future generations, ensuring that Gulf countries maintain their leading position in this critical domain at both regional and international levels.
