Oman Air has announced plans to launch direct flights between Muscat and Kigali from June 2026, in a move designed to deepen air connectivity between Oman and East Africa and to support a broader package of new economic and technology agreements between the two countries.

The new route, which will initially operate twice weekly subject to regulatory approvals, positions Kigali as the carrier’s first destination in Rwanda and one of its key gateways into the African continent.

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The decision to introduce a nonstop Muscat Kigali service was confirmed on 11 January 2026 by Oman’s national carrier, coinciding with a high level visit to Muscat by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.

The timing underlines the route’s role as part of a wider diplomatic and economic push, rather than a purely network driven decision.

Officials in Muscat described the move as a “significant step” in strengthening connectivity between Oman and Africa and in positioning Muscat as a more prominent transfer hub for eastbound and westbound traffic.

According to statements carried by the Oman News Agency, the flights are due to commence in June 2026 and will operate with a frequency of two services per week in the initial phase. The schedule and start date remain contingent on final regulatory clearances, including slot coordination and safety approvals from both Omani and Rwandan authorities. Industry analysts expect the service to be timed for optimal connectivity to Oman Air’s existing bank of flights to India, Southeast Asia and Europe, enabling one stop itineraries linking Kigali with markets that currently require multiple transfers.

Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the route reflects the Sultanate’s commitment to expanding international connectivity in line with national economic diversification goals. He noted that enhanced air links are intended to support commercial, investment and tourism cooperation with emerging African markets, where Gulf carriers and regional competitors have been steadily growing their presence.

Part of a Wider Oman Rwanda Cooperation Agenda

The launch of Muscat Kigali flights forms one pillar of a broader package of cooperation agreements signed between Oman and Rwanda in January 2026 covering logistics, digital infrastructure and aviation. The two governments endorsed accords in areas such as dry port development, supply chain services, data centres, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, reflecting an ambition to collaborate beyond traditional sectors like trade and tourism.

Among these agreements, a specific understanding on air connectivity calls for the introduction of Oman Air services between the two capitals. Officials described the new route as a practical expression of the air services accord that was originally ratified by Royal Decree in January 2024, following its signature in Riyadh in December 2023. That earlier framework laid the legal groundwork for designated airlines in both countries to operate scheduled services, paving the way for the current announcement.

For Rwanda, the agreement is consistent with its strategy of using Kigali as a regional hub for business events, trade and tourism. The government has invested heavily in meeting facilities, hospitality infrastructure and aviation partnerships to position the city as a gateway to East and Central Africa. Closer ties with Oman are seen as an opportunity to tap into Middle Eastern, South Asian and European markets that are already well served from Muscat by Oman Air and its alliance and codeshare partners.

Boost to Trade, Investment and Tourism Flows

Omani authorities and aviation executives expect the Muscat Kigali route to stimulate two way flows of trade, tourists and investors. Rwanda has been among Africa’s faster growing economies in recent years, prioritising sectors such as services, technology, agribusiness and light manufacturing. Easier air access is anticipated to support Omani businesses exploring partnerships or investment opportunities in these areas, particularly in logistics and digital services where fresh cooperation agreements are now in place.

Tourism is also set to be a major beneficiary. Kigali and the wider Rwanda market have built a strong brand as a destination for high end eco tourism, wildlife experiences including gorilla trekking, and international conferences. Direct flights from Muscat will make it easier for travellers from the Gulf, India and parts of Europe to reach Rwanda with a single stop, either as their primary destination or as part of multi country African itineraries. Conversely, Rwandan travellers will gain more straightforward access to Oman’s beaches, heritage sites and desert landscapes, as well as onward connections to Asia.

Industry observers note that Oman has been steadily positioning itself as an alternative tourism and transit hub in the Gulf region, focusing on culture driven and nature based travel rather than mass tourism. New African links, including Kigali, are expected to strengthen this proposition by adding diversity to the network and by offering combined itineraries such as “savannah and sea” or “mountains and desert” packages marketed to long haul visitors.

Aligning With Oman’s Aviation and Economic Vision

The Muscat Kigali service aligns closely with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, the national strategy that emphasises diversification, logistics and tourism as key pillars of future growth. Aviation connectivity is viewed as a critical enabler for these ambitions, helping to attract investment, facilitate trade and position Oman as a logistics gateway between Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The new route adds to an evolving pattern in which Omani carriers are selectively extending their footprint in both established and emerging markets.

Oman Air has been refining its network with a focus on sustainable growth and strong point to point demand. Recent announcements include new services to Singapore from July 2026, further enhancing the airline’s links with Southeast Asia. Together with existing connections to destinations such as Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, the launch of Kigali consolidates the carrier’s presence on the Indian Ocean rim and offers a more continuous chain of connectivity stretching from East Africa to Southeast Asia through Muscat.

Government officials in Muscat have repeatedly underlined their intention to use aviation and logistics as catalysts for Oman’s broader economic transition. By tying the Kigali route to agreements in logistics services and digital infrastructure, the authorities are signaling that air connectivity is being planned in tandem with ground based trade corridors and high tech collaborations rather than in isolation.

Network Synergies and Competitive Positioning in Africa

From a network perspective, Muscat Kigali will place Oman Air in more direct competition with carriers that currently dominate travel flows between the Gulf and East Africa, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways and others. At present, passengers travelling between Oman and Rwanda typically route through Addis Ababa, Doha or other regional hubs, often with longer journey times and less seamless connections. A nonstop option from Muscat is likely to attract time sensitive business travellers and high yield leisure traffic, particularly if schedules are optimised for onward connections.

The twice weekly initial frequency reflects a cautious but strategic entry into the Rwanda market. Aviation analysts suggest that Oman Air may be testing demand patterns before considering an increase to three or more weekly rotations, which would enhance its appeal to corporate and conference travellers. The route could also benefit from partnerships or interline arrangements with regional African carriers feeding traffic from neighbouring countries into Kigali.

At the same time, the move underscores the increasingly multipolar nature of aviation in and around the Gulf. Alongside long established mega hubs, emerging players like Muscat are carving out specialist roles built on targeted destinations, niche markets and differentiated tourism offerings. In this context, Kigali stands out as a logical addition to Oman Air’s network mix, combining strong growth potential with alignment to the airline’s brand positioning and the state’s diplomatic priorities.

Implications for Business and MICE Travel

Both governments have highlighted the importance of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in their cooperation agenda, and the Muscat Kigali route is expected to play an important role in this segment. Kigali has created a reputation as one of Africa’s leading conference cities, hosting international summits, business forums and sector specific gatherings throughout the year. Direct connectivity from Muscat will make it more attractive for organisations based in the Gulf, India and parts of Asia to consider Rwanda for regional events.

Omani companies active in sectors such as construction, logistics, finance, agribusiness and technology may find it easier to send delegations, negotiate partnerships and manage projects on the ground thanks to simpler flight options. Likewise, Rwandan firms looking to tap into Gulf capital pools, source products from Oman’s industrial zones or participate in trade fairs in Muscat can benefit from the new route’s time savings.

Travel industry stakeholders in both countries are expected to develop tailored packages for the corporate and MICE markets, pairing conference facilities in Kigali with team building experiences in Rwanda’s national parks or combining business meetings in Muscat with coastal retreats and desert excursions. Such offerings could appeal to multinational corporations seeking distinctive locations for retreats and incentive programmes beyond the traditional global hubs.

Traveller Experience and Connectivity Beyond the Gateway Cities

While detailed operational plans for the Muscat Kigali route, such as aircraft type and in cabin product, have yet to be formally announced, Oman Air has indicated that its expansion strategy will continue to prioritise service quality. The airline has invested in modern cabins and hospitality that emphasise Omani culture, and similar standards are expected to be applied to its new African services.

For leisure travellers, the route opens up more itinerary options. Visitors from Europe or the Gulf could, for example, fly into Muscat for several days of cultural exploration and coastal relaxation, then connect to Kigali for wildlife and nature experiences, all on a single ticket with coordinated schedules. Travellers from Rwanda will be able to reach not only Oman but also destinations such as India, Southeast Asian cities and selected European capitals with a single connection, potentially reducing transit times compared with existing alternatives.

Industry insiders also point to cargo opportunities on the Muscat Kigali flights. While passenger demand is the primary driver, belly hold freight capacity could support the movement of high value or time sensitive goods, including horticultural products from Rwanda headed to Gulf markets and manufactured goods or pharmaceuticals from Oman destined for East Africa. The logistics cooperation agreement signed alongside the aviation deal suggests that both sides intend to explore such synergies.

FAQ

Q1. When will Oman Air’s direct flights between Muscat and Kigali start operating?
The flights are scheduled to begin in June 2026, subject to final regulatory approvals from aviation authorities in Oman and Rwanda.

Q2. How many times a week will Oman Air fly between Muscat and Kigali?
The new route is expected to start with two flights per week, with the possibility of frequency adjustments based on demand and operational considerations.

Q3. Why are Oman and Rwanda launching this direct air link now?
The route supports a broader set of cooperation agreements between the two countries in logistics, digital infrastructure and trade, and builds on an air services agreement ratified in 2024 that paved the way for scheduled flights.

Q4. How will the new route benefit business travellers?
Business travellers will gain faster and more convenient access between Oman and Rwanda, with improved connections to conferences in Kigali and investment opportunities in sectors such as logistics, technology, tourism and agribusiness.

Q5. What does this mean for tourism between Oman and Rwanda?
The direct service is expected to encourage more leisure travel in both directions by simplifying journeys, enabling combined itineraries and highlighting complementary attractions such as Oman’s coastline and Rwanda’s wildlife and eco tourism experiences.

Q6. Will passengers be able to connect beyond Muscat and Kigali?
Yes. From Muscat, travellers can access Oman Air’s wider network in the Middle East, India, Asia and Europe, while Kigali serves as a regional gateway to other East and Central African destinations through local and regional carriers.

Q7. How does the Muscat Kigali route support Oman Vision 2040?
The route contributes to national goals of economic diversification by enhancing logistics and tourism, attracting investment and strengthening Oman’s role as a connector between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Q8. Is this Oman Air’s first destination in Rwanda?
Yes. Kigali will be Oman Air’s first destination in Rwanda and one of its key East African gateways, complementing existing services to other African cities along the Indian Ocean.

Q9. Will cargo services be available on the Muscat Kigali flights?
Although primarily a passenger route, the flights are expected to carry belly hold cargo, supporting trade in high value and time sensitive goods between Oman, Rwanda and connecting markets.

Q10. Could the frequency or scale of the route increase in future?
If the route performs well and demand grows from both business and leisure segments, Oman Air may consider increasing weekly frequencies or enhancing capacity as part of its broader network development strategy.