Muscat Seeb International Airport

Oman to restructure organisation of its civil aviation sector

The newly created Oman Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) has announced that it plans to implement a major round of restructuring for the country’s civil aviation industry to support the country's ambitious goals for the aviation and tourism sectors. The authority, which was established in Apr-2012 by royal decree to replace the existing Directorate-General of Civil Aviation and Air Navigation, will appoint a consultancy to help it with the organisational redesign of Oman’s aviation management.

PACA’s mission is to ensure the development of best practice in aviation in Oman and restructure the organisation of aviation in the country to meet the increasing flow of traffic into its airports, as well as in its airspace and the airspace of the Gulf region more generally. PACA will also adopt a supervisory role for all aviation in the country, ensuring that operations in Oman meet international safety standards. In addition, PACA holds joint responsibility for the marketing of the Sultanate's airports around the world, in collaboration with existing stakeholders. It is also the controlling body for bilateral air services agreements.

Oman Airports reports strong 2011, positive outlook for 2012

Despite the impact of the Arab Spring, Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) has been able to report record passenger numbers at Muscat and Salalah airports during 2011. Combined traffic at the two airports was better than 7 million, up 12.7% from the 6.2 million passengers handled in 2010.

Air Malta troubles worsen as unions flex muscle and LCCs grow

Air Malta’s troubles have become more acute as the struggling carrier’s unions increase their opposition to large-scale redundancies. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has stated the present situation is increasingly worrying, particularly in light of the EUR77 million the government has poured into the airline since Jun-2011.

Egypt unrest: Aviation in North Africa and Middle East threatened by political turmoil

The political instability engulfing some North African states has extensive implications for tourism and aviation across the region. Already dozens of governments are warning their citizens to avoid travel to Egypt. Several have chartered aircraft to ferry their nationals out. Cairo Airport has been met with chaotic scenes in the past few days as thousands of foreigners seek to leave. In this special report, CAPA reviews the immediate aviation and tourism impacts from the North Africa/Middle East civil unrest.