Muscat: In a significant step in enhancing air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the African continent, Oman Air today announced the launch of direct flights from Muscat to Kigali with effect from June 2026. The announcement coincides with the official visit of Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Rwanda, to the Sultanate of Oman.
According to Oman News Agency, the Muscat-Kigali route is expected to support the growing relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Rwanda, which serves as one of the most prominent emerging destinations in East Africa in the field of business tourism. The flights will also offer travelers more options, provide better connectivity between the Middle East and Africa, and facilitate access to various destinations through Oman Air's extensive network in India, Asia, the Pacific, and Europe.
Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, stated that the launch of the direct flight route between Muscat and Kigali reflects the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to enhancing international connectivity aimed at boosting commercial, investment, and economic cooperation. Al Maawali pointed out that this new route would also enhance the status of the Sultanate of Oman as an important regional aviation hub.
Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Minister of State for Infrastructure in the Republic of Rwanda, highlighted that his country's vision is based on boosting direct connectivity to consolidate Kigali's position as an important international center for aviation, economic, and social activities. He noted that Oman Air flights between Kigali and Muscat would help the two countries establish stronger cooperation.
Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oman Air, emphasized the company's focus on expanding its network of destinations in markets that have strong demand and long-term growth potential. He added that the launch of direct flights to Kigali boosts cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and Rwanda and benefits from the growing tourism potential in both countries.
Ahmed Said Al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, mentioned that launching direct flights to Kigali would enhance the role of Muscat International Airport as a major gateway connecting the Sultanate of Oman to important global markets. Al Amri added that, as demand for travel continues to grow, Oman Airports maintains its commitment to support the expansion of its network in a manner that consolidates air connectivity.
In addition to the expansion of its network of destinations during 2025, Oman Air has plans to add more destinations during 2026 as part of its strategy to target strategically important markets. The latest destinations launched or announced by Oman Air include European cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, in addition to destinations in the Middle East like Baghdad and Taif, and expansion in the Far East through the launch of flights to Singapore with effect from July 2026.
The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda have developed diplomatic relations for 28 years. Rwanda's tourism and business travel sectors have seen growth in recent years, driven by rising demand for ecotourism.