Oman’s Transport and Communications Ministry (MOTC) has received bids for the feasibility study for the Sohar regional airport in Batinah governorate.

The study aims to establish the business case for the expansion of the airport, a source tells MEED.

It is understood that a temporary passenger terminal is catering to the airport, for which there has been a significant increase in aircraft and passenger traffic since 2017.

Local media reports say Sharjah-based low-cost carrier Air Arabia now operate 16 weekly flights from Sharjah to Sohar since October last year. Qatar Airways also increased weekly flights to 14 since December.

Earlier this year, Oman’s low-cost carrier Salam Air said it has reinstated its Sohar to Salalah flights.

Local/Austrian contractor Strabag undertook the site preparation, infrastructure works and runway construction for the airport in 2009 and 2010.

MEED reported in 2015 that India-based Larsen & Toubro was the low bidder for package three of the airport scheme, which covers the construction of a passenger terminal.

The airport was expected to have the capacity to handle 500,000 passengers a year upon completion.