SalamAir’s low-cost Kigali–Muscat flights open new travel, business links

The inaugural SalamAir flight from Muscat touched down at Kigali International Airport at 12:50 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, marking the first direct air connection between Oman and Rwanda and opening a new gateway for tourism, trade, investment and business cooperation, according to the airline executives and government officials. The low-cost Omani carrier’s aircraft, which had 170 passengers onboard, received a traditional water salute before passengers and crew were welcomed by Intore dancers, reflecting Rwanda’s hospitality and the growing ties between the two countries. According to an update from SalamAir, the new route provides affordable travel options, with one-way fares starting from OMR 58.99 (about Rwf225,000). The flights will operate twice weekly, connecting Kigali to Muscat and providing access to the airline’s wider network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. Flight between Muscat and Kigali takes about five hours and 50 minutes. ALSO READ: SalamAir opens Rwanda office ahead of Muscat-Kigali flight launch, eyes expansion The new route creates the first direct air link between Oman and Rwanda. For an airline with extensive regional connections, Rwanda was an obvious destination for us,” said Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir. “The launch of Kigali [flight] marks another important milestone in SalamAir's growth journey as we continue expanding our network into high-potential markets that support tourism, business and stronger international connectivity.” Hamilton-Manns described Kigali as an important addition to SalamAir’s growing African network, saying the airline remains committed to offering affordable travel while expanding connectivity to destinations valued by passengers. At SalamAir, we remain focused on offering affordable travel while continuously expanding our network to destinations our customers value. Kigali is an important addition to our growing African network, and we look forward to welcoming travellers on board while contributing to greater connectivity across the region, he said. Strengthening Rwanda–Oman connectivity The launch ceremony brought together officials from Rwanda’s aviation, transport and tourism sectors, including representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Aviation Travel and Logistics Holding Ltd (ATL), Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), Rwanda Airports Company (RAC), RwandAir and the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). The event was also attended by diplomatic representatives from both countries, including Rwanda’s Ambassador to Oman, the Ambassador of Oman to Rwanda and the Honorary Consul of Oman in Rwanda. Dan Munyuza, Rwanda’s Ambassador to Oman, said the direct connection will support the movement of travellers, businesses and goods while creating new opportunities in tourism, trade and investment. This new route will support the growing movement of travellers, businesses and goods between our two countries, while creating further opportunities for tourism, trade and investment,” he said. “We welcome this development and look forward to seeing it contribute to stronger bilateral ties and closer engagement between our people.” Munyuza said the route strengthens Rwanda’s position as a gateway to East Africa while improving access between the Gulf region and Rwanda. Nasser Al-Sharji, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Oman Airports, said the new service demonstrates SalamAir’s international expansion while strengthening Muscat International Airport’s role as a global gateway. We are delighted to see SalamAir continue expanding its international network with the launch of direct flights to Kigali,” he stated. “At Oman Airports, our role is to create an environment that enables our airline partners to grow while strengthening Muscat International Airport's position as a gateway connecting Oman with the world.” He added that new destinations help advance tourism and trade while supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives. A bridge for trade, tourism and investment Hamood bin Khalfan Al Busaidi, Honorary Consul of Rwanda to Oman, described the new route as a milestone in relations between the two countries. This direct air connection is more than a new route; it is a bridge that brings our people, our economies and our shared aspirations closer together. He said the connection would improve opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders by linking Rwanda’s growing economy with Oman’s strategic position in the Gulf, Middle East and Asia. The true value of direct connectivity extends well beyond transportation. It builds confidence among investors, facilitates business, strengthens cultural understanding and brings nations closer together,” he said. “The success of this route will ultimately be measured by the partnerships it creates, the investments it enables and the lasting friendships it fosters between our peoples. He added that the route would also give Rwandans easier access to Oman’s heritage, landscapes and hospitality. Supporting Rwanda’s development priorities Col. Claudien Bizimana, Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, said the new service represents more than an additional air route, describing it as a platform for deeper cooperation between Rwanda, Oman and the wider Gulf region. It provides a practical platform for deeper cooperation between Rwanda, Oman and the wider Gulf region. By facilitating the movement of people, goods, ideas and investment, it will support stronger economic, cultural and people-to-people relations between our regions,” he said. Bizimana said stronger air connectivity supports Rwanda’s development priorities by expanding tourism, trade and investment opportunities while enhancing the country’s role as a gateway to Africa. Air connectivity is a key enabler of Rwanda's national development priorities. Efficient and reliable links with regional and international markets strengthen tourism, trade and investment, facilitate business partnerships, and enhance Rwanda's role as a gateway to Africa, he said. He noted that the route builds on Rwanda’s investments in aviation infrastructure, destination development and the wider business environment. This route builds on those efforts by improving access for travellers, investors and business communities from Oman and across the Gulf. It will also provide Rwandan businesses and travellers with stronger connections to the Middle East and beyond. Bizimana commended SalamAir’s confidence in Rwanda, saying the route represents a new chapter in relations between Africa and the Middle East. We commend SalamAir for its confidence in Rwanda. Today, we celebrate connectivity, partnership and a new chapter in relations between Africa and the Middle East. We look forward to this service bringing more visitors, generating new commercial opportunities, and further strengthening the friendship between our peoples, he said.

News

SalamAir’s low-cost Kigali–Muscat flights open new travel, business links