Work on the third phase of Duqm Airport project in the governorate of Al Wusta in Oman is progressing as per schedule and the operations are likely to start next year, said a report.

About 50 per cent of the work has been completed on Phase Three of the airport project and the rest - including a passengers’ terminal and air traffic control tower - will be completed by the year-end, reported Oman Observer, citing a senior official.

"Plans are afoot to increase the number of flights between Muscat and Duqm to five from the present four due to the rising number of tourists to the governorate, business people at the Special Economic Zone of Duqm," stated Dr Mohammed bin Nasser Al Zaabi, CEO of the Public Authority of Civil Aviation.

Once ready, the airport will play a key role in the growth of Al Wusta region and may even receive international flights in future, he added.