Aer Rianta International (ARI) has been awarded the 10-year contract to manage the new duty free outlets at Muscat International Airport by the Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC), according to an Oman News Agency statement published in yesterday’s Oman Tribune.

This effectively represents a ‘defence’ of its current location, since ARI has long been the duty free retailer at the existing airport in a 50/50 joint venture company since 2003 with Oman Air. This win also follows its recent duty free gain at the new Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) in Abu Dhabi.

It is understood that there was strong competition for the business from ATU (Gebr. Heinemann JV) and DFS at the new $1.8bn facility which is set to open next year, complete with 5,000sq m of duty free space.

A rendering of the new Muscat International Airport terminal.

The Muscat operation has delivered annual sales turnover levels in excess of $50m in past years and also includes an Internet cafe at Port Sultan Qaboos, plus the management and operation of the Oman Air in-flight duty free operation.

When the new airport opens it will replace the existing 42-year old facility with a terminal building comprising a total gross floor area of 344,995sq m.

The new facility will be able to handle 12m passengers a year and A380 aircraft, with OAMC also confirming that further expansions in three subsequent phases will boost annual passenger capacity to 24m, 36m and 48m respectively.