Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced a framework to approve commercial space launch activities, marking the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East. Etlaq Spaceport, the region’s first commercial spaceflight hub, has welcomed the announcement, highlighting its significance in positioning Oman as a regional leader in the growing space economy which aims to be a global leader in accessible space launch and sustainable space exploration. The recently issued Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 5-01) sets out the process for coordinating spaceflight activities within Oman’s airspace. Under the directive, companies seeking launch approval must submit an evidence-based safety case to the CAA in order to reserve launch windows in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR). Applications aim to be processed in as little as 45 days, giving operators one of the fastest approval cycles globally, while maintaining rigorous aviation, maritime, and ground safety requirements.
Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced a framework to approve commercial space launch activities, marking the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East. Etlaq Spaceport, the region’s first commercial spaceflight hub, has welcomed the announcement, highlighting its significance in positioning Oman as a regional leader in the growing space economy which aims to be a global leader in accessible space launch and sustainable space exploration. The recently issued Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 5-01) sets out the process for coordinating spaceflight activities within Oman’s airspace. Under the directive, companies seeking launch approval must submit an evidence-based safety case to the CAA in order to reserve launch windows in the Muscat Flight Information Region (FIR). Applications aim to be processed in as little as 45 days, giving operators one of the fastest approval cycles globally, while maintaining rigorous aviation, maritime, and ground safety requirements.
H.H. Azzan Kais Al Said, CEO of Etlaq Spaceport said:
“This announcement is a landmark moment for the Sultanate of Oman and for the global space community. By formalizing a fast, clear, and internationally credible launch approval process, Oman is showing that it is serious about space launch, and that it is ready to host the world’s most ambitious missions. We are proud to stand at the center of this transformation and to welcome partners from around the world to join us on this journey.”
The spaceport will coordinate directly with the Ministry of Transportation, Communication, and Information Technology (MTCIT), CAA, and the National Space Program, to facilitate timely authorisation of launches. Behind the directive is a coordinated national effort that brings together aviation, maritime, environmental, and security authorities to provide launch service providers with a clear, unified process backed by inter-governmental coordination. Importantly, the framework places no limit on the number of launches per year on either the launch service provider or Etlaq Spaceport, allowing the freedom to expand launch cadence as demand grows.
Raul Verdu Lidon, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer of PLD Space, a pioneering Spanish launch service provider, also welcomed the announcement:
"This capability at the spaceport that Etlaq is developing in Duqm, Oman will provide us with a significant competitive advantage in our future operations. With a growing number of customers requesting fast-responsiveness launches, this will become a key differentiating factor. We are pleased to see the Etlaq team delivering on its commitments."
The new framework directly addresses an international launch capacity shortage, with launch vehicles and their satellite customers increasingly facing longer waiting times to reach orbit. It also responds to a growing trend in the space industry around responsive launch - the ability of governments or private operators to rapidly launch new or replacement satellites for a variety of reasons, including national security. Oman’s fast-track approval cycle positions Etlaq Spaceport as a cost-competitive and flexible option, offering providers the chance to book missions at short notice while avoiding lengthy delays.
Rawya Al Adawi, Act Director General of Civil Aviation Regulations, said:
“The Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to support the safe and coordinated integration of space launch activities within Oman’s airspace. The publication of Civil Aviation Directive CAD 5-01 ensures that airspace use during launch operations is managed in line with international aviation safety standards. This initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to facilitating emerging sectors like space while maintaining the highest level of safety for all airspace users. The CAA remains focused on its role of safeguarding national airspace and enabling cooperation among all concerned entities to support the Sultanate’s wider vision for innovation and technological advancement.”
Dr. Saoud Al Shoaili, Director General of Policies & Governance and Head of the National Space Program, said:
“The National Space Program fully supports this project, as it represents one of the key initiatives under the Oman Space Policy and Executive Program (2023–2033). The issuance of the Civil Aviation Directive (CAD 5-01) marks a significant milestone toward the development of the forthcoming National Space Law. This directive enables Etlaq Spaceport to establish its operations without regulatory barriers, thereby facilitating the participation of international launch service providers and advancing Oman’s position as a regional space hub.”
Dr. George Nield, Chairman, Global Spaceport Alliance added:
“The introduction of this launch framework positions Oman to become a vital node in the world’s spaceport network. A clear, efficient, and safety-driven process like this is essential to attracting innovation, investment, and international collaboration in space launch and exploration. Etlaq Spaceport, a proud member of the Global Spaceport Alliance, is leading by example as it helps connect Oman’s national vision to the broader global launch community.”