Firq Air Base

Military consolidation and strategic obsolescence. The base's primary purpose was tied to the Jebel Akhdar War in the 1950s. After the conflict ended and with the modernization of the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces, operations were consolidated at larger, more modern airfields (like Seeb, Masirah, and Thumrait) capable of handling newer aircraft. The subsequent construction of the state-of-the-art Adam Air Base (OOMA) just 35 km to the south rendered Firq's older and smaller facility redundant for major air operations.

The site is no longer an operational air base for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). It has been repurposed and now functions as an active military installation for the Sultan of Oman's Armed Forces, primarily serving as a major camp and garrison for the Royal Army of Oman. It is often referred to as the 'Firq Camp' or 'Nizwa Garrison'. While the original runway and some aviation infrastructure are still visible on satellite imagery, they are not maintained for regular, fixed-wing flight operations. The ICAO code OM-0037 is a legacy identifier and does not denote a currently active public or major military airport.

Firq Air Base holds significant historical importance as a key forward operating base for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Sultan of Oman's Air Force (SOAF) during the Jebel Akhdar War (1954-1959). Its strategic location at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range was critical for launching air operations against insurgents. The base supported a range of aircraft, including armed Percival Provost trainers, de Havilland Vampire jets for ground-attack missions, and transport aircraft like the Scottish Aviation Pioneer and de Havilland Beaver for supplying troops in mountainous terrain. The air power projected from Firq was instrumental in the success of the ground campaign and in establishing the Sultan's control over the interior of Oman.

There are no known or publicly discussed plans to reopen Firq as a primary air base. The significant investment in the nearby and far more capable Adam Air Base (OOMA) meets the current and future strategic aviation requirements for the Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate. Therefore, the prospect of reactivating Firq for its original purpose is considered highly unlikely.