Oman Air Launches Direct Muscat–Kigali Flights from June 2026

Oman Air to Launch Direct Flights Between Muscat and Kigali from June 2026

Muscat: In a significant step to enhance air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the African continent, Oman Air today announced the launch of direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, effective June 2026.

The announcement coincides with the official visit of Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, to the Sultanate of Oman, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral relations between the two countries.

The new Muscat–Kigali route is expected to support expanding ties between Oman and Rwanda, with Kigali emerging as one of East Africa’s most prominent destinations for business tourism, including meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

The flights will also provide travellers with wider options and improved connectivity between the Middle East and Africa, while facilitating seamless access to destinations across India, Asia, the Pacific, and Europe through Oman Air’s extensive global network.

Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, stated that the launch of the direct route reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to strengthening international connectivity in support of commercial, investment, and economic cooperation. He noted that the new service would further enhance Oman’s position as a key regional aviation hub.

For his part, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Minister of State for Infrastructure in the Republic of Rwanda, said that Rwanda’s vision is centred on expanding direct air connectivity to reinforce Kigali’s role as a leading international hub for aviation and economic and social activities. He added that direct flights between Kigali and Muscat would contribute to deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said that the airline continues to focus on expanding its destination network in markets with strong demand and long-term growth potential. He explained that the launch of direct flights to Kigali strengthens bilateral cooperation and capitalizes on the growing tourism prospects in both Oman and Rwanda, while offering seamless connectivity between Africa and the global aviation network.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Said Al Amri, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, said that the addition of Kigali to Oman Air’s network would further enhance Muscat International Airport’s role as a major gateway linking the Sultanate of Oman with key global markets. He affirmed Oman Airports’ commitment to supporting network expansion in line with rising travel demand, while ensuring a high-quality airport experience and facilitating travel between Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

Oman Air has continued to expand its destination network during 2025 and plans to introduce additional routes in 2026 as part of its strategy to target strategically important markets. Recently launched or announced destinations include European cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen, Middle Eastern destinations including Baghdad and Taif, and further expansion in the Far East with the introduction of Singapore flights from July 2026.

Diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda span 28 years, with Rwanda witnessing notable growth in tourism and business travel in recent years, driven by increasing demand for eco-tourism and sustainable travel experiences.