Oman Air has announced the launch of direct flights between Muscat, Oman, and Kigali, aimed at strengthening air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and East Africa. The flights are expected to commence in June this year, subject to regulatory approvals, the airline said in a statement on Sunday, January 11. ALSO READ: House approves air service agreements with 12 countries The announcement was made during an official visit to Oman by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe, who led a delegation that includes Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Yusuf Murangwa, Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire and Minister of State for Infrastructure Affairs Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye. “As we continue to expand our network in markets with strong long-term potential, the launch of services to Kigali supports closer engagement between Oman and Rwanda and unlocks the growing tourism potential of both countries,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. He added that the new route will enable seamless connections between Africa and Oman Air’s wider network, while offering travelers the airline’s award-winning service and renowned Omani hospitality. ALSO READ: Inside plans to double RwandAir passengers The new Muscat-Kigali route is expected to boost tourism and business travel, particularly in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, while providing travelers with wider connectivity to Oman Air’s global network across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. Minister Uwihanganye noted that enhanced air connectivity will support Rwanda’s vision to position Kigali as an important international center for aviation, economic, and social activities. Oman Air flights between Kigali and Muscat will enhance the development of close cooperation with various countries, he added. In a related development, on October 7, the Chamber of Deputies approved draft laws ratifying air service agreements signed with 12 countries, including Oman, signed on different occasions between 2022 and 2024. These agreements aim to expand Rwanda’s international and regional aviation connections, facilitating trade, tourism, and economic cooperation.
