Oman Airports Garner Nine Global Accolades for Passenger Experience

Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport recently secured nine global accolades at the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Awards, recognizing their commitment to passenger satisfaction. This significant achievement saw both Omani airports collectively receive these prestigious honors, showing their dedication to enhancing the travel experience. The awards highlight the Omani airports' success in enhancing the travel experience across various categories, reflecting a concerted effort to meet and exceed international benchmarks. This achievement shows the facilities' operational excellence and dedication to service standards as assessed by ACI, a global trade representative of the world's airport authorities. The recognition positions both airports prominently within the international aviation sector for their passenger-centric approaches, reinforcing Oman's standing in global aviation.

Airport Award Details

Muscat International Airport received four awards within the category for airports serving five million or more passengers across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. This category is highly competitive, encompassing numerous major international hubs. These specific accolades for Muscat International Airport included "Most Enjoyable Airport," which acknowledges the overall positive atmosphere and amenities available to travelers; "Cleanest Airport," noting exceptional standards of hygiene and facility maintenance; "Most Dedicated Staff," recognizing the commitment and professionalism of its personnel; and "Best Departure Airport," which signifies a smooth and pleasant experience for passengers beginning their journeys. The recognition shows the airport's consistent performance in key passenger experience metrics as evaluated by the Airports Council International (ACI), reflecting direct feedback from travelers.

Oman Airports' Perspective

The awards were officially presented at the ACI Airport Experience Summit 2026, which took place in Istanbul, Türkiye. This prominent international event served as the platform for Airports Council International (ACI) to recognize airports globally for their achievements in passenger experience, bringing together industry leaders and professionals. Salalah Airport, for its part, secured five awards, distinguishing itself in the category for airports handling fewer than five million passengers within the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region. Its recognition encompassed various aspects of the passenger journey, affirming its commitment to high service standards and passenger satisfaction. These accolades highlight the airport's operational efficiency and dedication to passenger satisfaction, as assessed by ACI's rigorous evaluation process. The dual success of Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport at these global awards reflects a strategic focus on elevating the quality of air travel services throughout Oman.

Significance of Recognition

The accolades for Salalah Airport included "Most Enjoyable Airport," acknowledging its pleasant environment for travelers; "Cleanest Airport," recognizing its impeccable standards of cleanliness; "Easiest Journey Through Airport," which notes its efficient and user-friendly processes from arrival to departure; "Most Dedicated Staff," celebrating the exceptional service provided by its employees; and "Best Departure Airport," indicating a superior experience for departing passengers. These awards acknowledge the airport's full approach to passenger satisfaction across multiple touchpoints of the travel experience, ensuring a positive journey for all users. The recognition notes Salalah Airport's operational efficiency and commitment to service quality, making it a standout facility in its category. The announcement of these awards was made on Sunday, September 6, 2026, solidifying the airport's standing in regional aviation and marking a significant milestone for Oman's airport infrastructure. Oman Airports' dual success shows the broader commitment within the Sultanate to elevate standards for air travel infrastructure and customer service, aiming to provide world-class experiences for all passengers.