Oman Airports has become the first airport operator in the world to fully implement WiFi 7 technology across its facilities, offering passengers significantly faster internet speeds and more reliable connections. The upgrade, carried out in partnership with Huawei, provides ultra-smooth streaming, rapid downloads, and gigabit-plus performance on compatible devices, setting a new global standard for airport connectivity.
A New Benchmark in Passenger Experience
In a statement, Oman Airports said it takes “pride in being the first airport globally to deploy WiFi 7 technology,” highlighting the move as part of its commitment to adopting advanced systems that enhance operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience.
The new standard represents a major leap from its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6E. WiFi 7 delivers performance up to five times faster, increasing maximum theoretical speeds from 9.6Gbps to an impressive 46Gbps. This significant boost in bandwidth ensures a seamless digital journey for travellers, from checking emails to streaming high-definition content without interruption.
Supporting the GCC’s One-Stop Travel System
The timing of the upgrade is critical, as it aligns with regional preparations for the GCC’s new ‘one-stop’ travel system. This major initiative will allow passengers travelling between member states to complete all immigration and security checks at their departure airport, bypassing these formalities upon arrival. The first trial for the UAE-Bahrain corridor is scheduled for December 2025.
This new model for regional air travel depends on the instant and secure sharing of passenger identity, security, and travel data between Gulf countries. The advanced capabilities of WiFi 7 are essential for handling this increased data load efficiently and safely.
Technical Advantages for Modern Airports
WiFi 7 introduces several key innovations tailored for high-density environments like airports. Devices can now use the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously, switching between them in real-time to reduce latency and prevent network congestion, especially during peak travel hours.
This ensures ultra-reliable connections for critical airport infrastructure, including biometric systems, e-gates, and identity verification platforms required for the new single checkpoint travel system. Furthermore, the technology’s stronger encryption protocols ensure that sensitive passenger information is transferred securely.
By adopting WiFi 7, Oman Airports has future-proofed its network infrastructure. The system’s multi-gigabit performance ensures it has the capacity to handle the significantly higher demand expected once the one-stop travel scheme extends to all six GCC member states, positioning Oman as a leader in regional aviation technology.
