Oman Airports: Logistics Expert Al Sharji to Lead New Vertical Integration Era

On 13 January 2026, Oman Airports announced the appointment of Nasser Al Sharji as Acting Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition is an aggressive move towards the execution of the National Aviation Strategy (NAS) 2040 .

A Vision for Vertical Integration

Mr Al Sharji’s appointment represents a “logistics-first” approach to aviation governance. Interestingly, he will maintain his position as CEO of TRANSOM, the national ground handling company. This dual role is a cornerstone of the Oman Investment Authority’s (OIA) Rawabet” programme which aims to eliminate corporate separation and encourage vertical integration across state-owned enterprises.

By overseeing both the airport operator and the service provider, Al Sharji is positioned to create a “Single Operating Model” that ensures a seamless passenger and cargo journey. This synergy is expected to drive significant operational efficiency and reduce the duplication of both efforts and resources, strengthening the national aviation ecosystem’s global competitiveness.

The Architect of Transformation

A specialised transformation architect, Al Sharji brings over 25 years of executive experience across the Sultanate’s most critical, capital-intensive industries. His appointment reflects a utility-based transformation model, drawing on his experience managing complex energy and public service sectors, including senior roles at OQ, the Sultanate of Oman’s global integrated energy group and Nam Water Services.nbsp.

These previous positions involved navigating complex regulatory requirements and large-scale operational turnarounds, technical expertise that is essential to addressing infrastructure costs and technical requirements currently facing Oman’s regional airports.

Al Sharji’s background is rooted in the logistics sector, shaped by his impactful leadership at ASYAD Group, Oman’s logistics powerhouse. During his tenure as CEO of Oman Post and ASYAD Express, he successfully bridged regional trade lanes with domestic infrastructure through international partnerships.

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Muscat International Airport / Credit: Oman airports website

Strategic Leadership Redistribution

The transition also elevates the former CEO, Eng. Ahmed bin Said Al Amri, the chairman of Muscat Municipality. This move synchronises airport infrastructure with urban planning, facilitating the ambitious “Airport City” masterplans.

A 23.5 Million OMR Legacy

Al Amri leaves behind a formidable legacy of infrastructure completion, including the 2024 finalisation of the southern runway at Muscat International Airport (MCT),  a project designed to enable simultaneous take-off and landing paths, significantly boosting the technical capacity of the hub to meet ICAO standards.

Under Al Amri’s watch, Oman Airports recorded a 15% increase in net profit to 23.5 million OMR in 2024, alongside a 43% rise in EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation). His transition to municipal leadership ensures that the physical foundation of Oman’s gateways will be expertly integrated into the wider Muscat urban landscape.

Ambition 2040: The Roadmap to 50 Million

Commenting on the strategic roadmap that these leadership changes will support, His Excellency Eng. Naif bin Ali Al-Abri, President of the Oman Civil Aviation Authority, noted that the national strategy is more than just a list of targets .”The National Aviation Strategy 2040 constitutes a comprehensive roadmap for the future of aviation in the Sultanate of Oman,” Al-Abri stated. “It reflects the government’s strong commitment to developing this sector and enhancing its growing role in the national economy.”

This sentiment was echoed by the outgoing CEO, Eng. Ahmed bin Said Al Amri, who recently highlighted the Sultanate’s proactive stance in the global market . “We have an aggressive plan to attract new airlines to the Sultanate of Oman,” Al Amri remarked, emphasising that the goal is to stimulate demand from both ends. “At Oman Airports, we cooperate closely with all relevant stakeholders to elevate sector revenues. Oman’s strategic geographic position… creates an urgent need to develop an integrated framework aligned with Oman Vision 2040.”

Mr Al Sharji is now positioned to realise the goals of NAS 2040. The strategy is nothing short of transformative:

  • Passenger Growth: Aiming to more than triple annual traffic from 14.5 million in 2024 to 50 million by 2040.
  • Infrastructure Expansion: Plans to build six new airports, doubling the national total to 13.
  • Economic Investment: Attracting $3.6 billion specifically for “Airport Cities” in Muscat, Salalah, and Duqm.
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Oman’s Skyward Ambition

With a net-zero carbon pledge for 2050 and a focus on SalamAir , Oman’s first and leading budget airline, the Sultanate is positioning itself as a premier global aviation hub. The unified leadership under Al Sharji, combined with the urban integration led by Al Amri, provides a high-confidence trajectory for Oman’s skyward ambitions.

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