Oman’s Transport & Communications Ministry has selected France’s Thales to deploy an integrated security solution for Muscat International airport and the new airport in Salalah.

The solution to be deployed includes a perimeter intrusion detection system, video protection system, access control, screening equipment, security checkpoints and the required network infrasrtucture along with the data centres. The full suite of solutions is designed to ensure high performance and quality of services.

The contract also calls for Thales to test new technologies and train operators, as well as develop new procedures for improving both airports’ operations.

Thales says it has installed similar solutions to secure airports, ports and industrial facilities across the region, including at the Dubai and Doha international airports as well as the new port in Doha.

Oman has been spending billions of dollars to improve its airport infrastructure. The expansion of Muscat International is being undertaken in four phases, with capacity expcted to increase to 12 million passengers annually in phase one, 24 million in phase two, 36 million in phase three and 48 milllion in phase four.

The new Salalah airport, located in the Dhofar governorate, opened in June, with an initial capacity of 1 million passengers annually.

A new regional airport is also planned in Musandam, in line with the sultanate’s infrastructure development programme. The Transport & Communications Ministry is seeking consultants to undertake a feasibility study for the proposed airport and additional runways.