Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has announced plans to launch its first direct scheduled service to sub-Saharan Africa with a new route linking Muscat to Kigali, Rwanda. The airline said the service is expected to begin in June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, marking a significant milestone in its international network expansion.
The Muscat–Kigali route will be Oman Air’s first direct entry into sub-Saharan Africa, extending its footprint beyond its traditional markets in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North Africa. The new service is expected to strengthen air connectivity between the Gulf and East Africa, offering passengers a faster and more convenient travel option for both business and leisure.
The announcement was made in the context of broader efforts by Oman and Rwanda to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in trade, tourism, logistics, and aviation. Officials from both countries highlighted the role of direct air links in supporting economic cooperation, facilitating investment flows, and boosting people-to-people exchanges.
Rwanda has positioned itself as a growing hub for tourism and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) in East Africa, while Muscat serves as a strategic transit hub connecting Africa with Asia and Europe. The new route is therefore expected to enhance connectivity for travelers from multiple regions, while also supporting Rwanda’s ambitions to attract more international visitors and business events.
Oman Air said further details on flight schedules, frequencies, and aircraft deployment will be announced closer to the launch date. The Kigali service reflects the airline’s broader strategy to expand into high-potential emerging markets and comes amid increasing competition among Gulf carriers seeking to strengthen their presence across the African continent.
