Oman’s national carrier, Oman Air, has laid off approximately 1,000 employees as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts aimed at reducing costs. Nearly half of the affected workers were foreign nationals. The airline plans to reduce its workforce from 4,300 to 2,700, aligning with staffing levels at similarly sized carriers.
Chairman Said bin Hamoud Al-Maawali stated that 487 foreign employees were dismissed over the past 18 months, with some positions filled by Omani nationals. As a result, the local employment rate rose to 79.4%, one of the highest in the country’s public sector.
Al-Maawali also noted that previously, 45% of the airline’s staff were unskilled workers who did not contribute directly to operations—significantly higher than the 15% average for comparable airlines.
The restructuring also impacts the airline’s fleet. Oman Air currently operates 33 active aircraft, including B737s and B787s. Its A330 wide-body aircraft are expected to be phased out.
