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Khasab Airport

About the Airport

Khasab Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Khasab Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the "Norway of Arabia," as the picturesque Musandam Peninsula is often called. Landing here turns into a thrilling attraction: the aircraft descends into a narrow valley between majestic desert cliffs, revealing stunning views of the jagged fjord coastline to passengers even before touching the ground. This small but strategically important airport connects the isolated exclave with the rest of the country, replacing a long road trip across borders with a quick and incredibly beautiful flight.

Below is a brief summary of the air harbour's main characteristics:

IATA Code KHS
ICAO Code OOKB
City Khasab
Distance to center 2 km
Status Regional (Joint Civil/Military)
Passengers per year Approx. 40,000 - 60,000
Schedule

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main highlight of Khasab Airport is its unique location. It is situated in a valley surrounded by high mountains, making every takeoff and landing a spectacular sight. For aviation enthusiasts and photographers, this place is of special interest due to the proximity of the runway to the rocky massifs.

Another important advantage is its exceptional compactness and speed of service. Thanks to the low passenger traffic and small size of the terminal, all pre-flight procedures take minimum time. There are practically no queues here, and the journey from the aircraft stairs to the city exit takes just a few minutes.

The airport is also valued for its strategic convenience. It is located just a couple of kilometers from the city center and the port, from where the famous dhow boat cruises depart. This allows tourists arriving on a morning flight from Muscat to enjoy a sea tour of the fjords within half an hour, without wasting time on long transfers.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: Managed by Oman Airports. Up-to-date information can be found on the Khasab Airport page on their official website.
  • Information Desk Phone: +968 26 730 245
  • Airport Address: Khasab Airport (KHS), Khasab, Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman.
  • Email: For general inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact email of the managing company Oman Airports: info@omanairports.co.om.
  • Social Media: The airport does not maintain separate official accounts. News and updates are published on the Oman Airports pages on X (Twitter) and Facebook.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and inquiries, you can use the airport information desk phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Khasab Airport (KHS) from the center of Khasab city is effortless, as it is located just a few kilometers away. A car ride will take no more than 5-10 minutes, making it one of the most accessible regional airports in Oman. The main modes of transport here are taxis and rental cars.

The most popular and convenient way is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A car can be found in the city or ordered via your hotel reception. Given the short distance, the cost of the trip will be low, however, it is recommended to agree on the price in advance with the driver, as not all cars are equipped with meters. Many hotels also offer their own transfer services for guests, which is a reliable and comfortable option.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings of Musandam on their own. There are representatives of several rental companies at the airport and in the city itself. Having your own transport will give you the freedom to move along coastal roads and mountain serpentines. For trips to the mountains, such as Jebel Harim, it is recommended to rent a 4x4 SUV.

There is parking near the airport terminal where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. Given the compactness of the city, this option is more often used by local residents. It is worth noting that the public transport system, such as regular buses or trains, is not developed in Khasab, so one should not rely on this method of movement.

Many travelers arrive in the region via larger international airports. The nearest one is Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) in the UAE, located approximately 70 km away. Airports in Fujairah and Sharjah are also popular options. From there, you can reach Khasab by rental car or book a transfer, enjoying incredible views along the way.

Terminals and Map

The airport of Khasab (KHS) is a small and very compact air terminal serving the city of the same name and the entire Musandam Governorate in Oman. Its key feature is simplicity and the absence of the hustle and bustle typical of large international hubs. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitive even for those flying here for the first time.

The airport has just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal building is a single-story structure where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. The layout is extremely simple: upon entering the building, you will immediately see the check-in counters. Departure and arrival zones are located in different parts of the terminal but are effectively in one common space, making it impossible to get lost. Transitions between terminals are absent as they are unnecessary.

One of the main advantages of Khasab Airport is the speed of completing formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take mere minutes due to the low passenger traffic. There are no long queues or exhausting waits here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, as required by airlines, to go through all procedures without rushing.

No special advice is required for navigation. All signs are clear, and staff are always ready to help. The departure zone includes a small waiting hall, and the arrival zone features a baggage claim belt. The entire journey from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate or from the aircraft stairs to the city exit will take you minimum time, allowing you to quickly start or end your trip through this picturesque region.

History of the Airport

The history of Khasab Airport (KHS) is inextricably linked with the development and strategic importance of the Musandam Peninsula — a unique exclave of Oman. Initially, there was only a simple airstrip here, created to provide basic communication for the isolated region with the rest of the country. The modern airport in its current form is the result of targeted modernization aimed at unlocking the tourism and economic potential of the "Norway of Arabia."

A key moment in the history of the air harbour was the opening of a new modern terminal and an extended runway in the mid-2000s. This large-scale project was initiated by the government of Oman as part of a strategy to develop the infrastructure of remote regions. The old airfield no longer met growing requirements, and the new infrastructure allowed for the reception of larger types of aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which significantly increased the accessibility of Khasab for tourists and business travelers.

The airport has not been a witness to loud historical events of a global scale, but its role in local history is immense. For the residents of Musandam, it has become a vital artery providing stable and fast communication with the capital. The airport's main achievement is not passenger traffic records, but the provision of reliable connectivity for the region, which gave a powerful boost to the development of tourism, especially diving and fjord cruises.

One of the most interesting facts about the airport is its incredibly scenic location. Landing and taking off in Khasab give passengers unforgettable impressions: the plane maneuvers over the famous fjords, revealing a breathtaking panorama of rocky mountains steeply dropping into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman. For many, the journey through Musandam begins precisely with this impressive view from the porthole.

Services and Facilities

Khasab Airport (KHS) is a compact regional airport serving the Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. Despite its modest size, it provides passengers with essential services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal features a small cafe where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or buy refreshments. There is also a shop selling souvenirs and daily necessities.

For those who value extra comfort, the airport offers a VIP lounge, providing a quieter environment for rest or work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Passengers can also use charging stations for electronic devices located in the waiting hall.

ATMs are installed in the airport for financial matters. In case medical assistance is needed, there is a first aid station. The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, providing wheelchairs and special assistance upon request. Mother and child rooms are provided for travelers with small children.

There are no hotels or business centers directly within the airport building. However, the nearest hotels and conference halls are located in the city of Khasab itself, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. There, travelers can find a wide range of accommodation options and all necessary conditions for holding business meetings.

Where to Eat

When planning a departure from Khasab Airport (KHS), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and not comparable to the assortment at large international hubs. Nevertheless, passengers can find basic opportunities for a snack before the flight.

In the airport's single terminal, there is usually a small cafe or kiosk located in the departure zone after passing security control. Here you can purchase beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and juices, as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate. This is a good option to quickly grab a bite and have a drink before boarding the flight.

There are no full-service restaurants with hot local Omani dishes at the airport. If you are counting on a hearty lunch or dinner, it is better to do so in advance at one of the establishments in the city of Khasab. Options for passengers with specific dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free dishes) are practically absent, so it is recommended to bring suitable food with you. All food products offered are generally Halal.

Prices in the airport cafe are usually slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice. The establishment's operating hours are directly tied to the flight schedule — it opens to serve passengers before departures and closes shortly after them. Therefore, you need not worry about arriving at a closed door if your flight is not cancelled or rescheduled.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Khasab city goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips. Despite its modest size, the airport plays an important role in connecting with the picturesque Musandam Peninsula in Oman, and knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves.

Arrival time and check-in. Khasab Airport (KHS) is a small regional airport, so there are no such queues here as in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive approximately 2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to calmly go through flight check-in and security screening. If possible, complete online check-in in advance — this will save you time.

Seat selection and hand luggage. When flying from or to Khasab, try to get a window seat. The views of the Musandam fjords and the jagged coastline from above are truly unforgettable. regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag), no sharp objects, explosives, or flammable substances.

Customs control and transfers. When entering Oman, be ready to present your passport and visa (or electronic visa confirmation). There are restrictions on the import of alcohol and tobacco products, so familiarize yourself with current customs regulations in advance. Khasab Airport is rarely used for transit flights; most passengers start or end their journey here. If you do have a transfer planned, verify the procedure with your airline.

Savings and flight delays. To save money, book a transfer from the airport to the hotel in advance — on-site choices may be limited and prices higher. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your rights (for example, to drinks or meals). Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, so having a book or a charged gadget with movies will be very useful.

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