Oman Air’s Muscat–Kigali Route Set to Strengthen Africa–Middle East Air Links from June 2026

The announcement that Oman Air will launch direct flights between Muscat and Kigali in June 2026 marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the broader African aviation landscape. This new service, pending final regulatory approvals, will be operated with Boeing 737 aircraft and positions Rwanda as the third sub-Saharan African destination in Oman Air’s expanding network.

This strategic move comes at a time when East Africa’s connectivity is rapidly evolving, with Kigali emerging as a key aviation and business hub. The direct Muscat–Kigali route is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment flows between the Middle East and Africa, offering new opportunities for both regions. For Rwandan tourism, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years, the addition of Oman Air’s service will further enhance access for leisure and business travelers alike.

For African travel industry professionals, the implications are far-reaching. The new route will not only provide greater choice for travelers but also facilitate time-sensitive cargo flows between East Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Oman Air Cargo has highlighted the importance of this service for supporting perishables and high-value shipments, reinforcing Kigali’s role as a regional logistics gateway.

Rwanda’s aviation sector has been on an upward trajectory, with Kigali International Airport serving as a springboard for both intra-African and intercontinental connections. The arrival of Oman Air is set to intensify competition and collaboration, complementing the efforts of regional carriers such as RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines. This development also aligns with broader trends across sub-Saharan Africa, where airlines are increasingly targeting secondary cities and underserved markets to capture new demand and diversify their networks.

Oman Air’s expansion into Kigali follows similar moves by other Gulf carriers, reflecting a growing recognition of Africa’s economic and tourism potential. The Muscat–Kigali service will offer seamless onward connections to Oman Air’s extensive network in Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Europe, making it easier for African travelers to access new destinations and for international visitors to reach Rwanda’s renowned attractions, from gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to the vibrant city life of Kigali.

For the African travel trade, this route opens up fresh avenues for partnership, product development, and cross-border collaboration. Tour operators, DMCs, and hospitality providers can leverage the increased airlift to design innovative itineraries and tap into emerging source markets. The timing is particularly opportune as Rwanda continues to position itself as a premier meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination, with world-class venues and a reputation for safety and efficiency.

As the June 2026 launch date approaches, industry stakeholders are encouraged to monitor regulatory developments and prepare for the new opportunities this route will bring. Oman Air’s Muscat–Kigali service is more than just a new flight—it is a catalyst for deeper integration between Africa and the Middle East, and a testament to the continent’s growing appeal as a destination for both business and leisure.