Oman's low-cost carrier, SalamAir, officially launched its direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, marking the airline's expansion into the African market. The inaugural flight landed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, with the route scheduled to operate twice a week.

The new air link has sparked optimism about the benefits it will bring to both nations, from boosting tourism and trade to expanding employment and investment opportunities.

As Rwanda continues positioning itself as a leading tourism destination, the direct connection to Oman is expected to attract more visitors from Oman and neighboring Gulf countries while also providing easier access for African travelers heading to Oman.

The route is also anticipated to stimulate investment. Easier travel will allow Omani investors to explore business opportunities in Rwanda, particularly in sectors where the country has seen significant growth.

For ordinary citizens, the new flights will simplify travel for business, tourism, education, and family visits, making movement between the two countries faster and more affordable.

Employment opportunities for Rwandans

Oman has a population of over 5.3 million, with a significant proportion made up of expatriates. Foreign workers play a vital role in sectors such as construction, healthcare, tourism, transportation, and hospitality.

Rwanda's Honorary Consul to Oman, Hamood Khalfan Al Busaidi, described the launch of the flights as the realization of a dream he had pursued for more than three decades.

"For me, this is a dream come true. I have represented Rwanda's interests in Oman for more than 30 years, and I have followed this initiative closely. Today it has become a reality with the support of leaders from both countries."

Al Busaidi noted that the new air connection could create employment opportunities for qualified Rwandans, as Oman relies heavily on foreign professionals.

"Oman has a relatively small population, while Rwanda has about 14 million people. This creates employment opportunities for educated people in Oman," he said.

He also highlighted business opportunities for Rwandan exporters, particularly those dealing in agricultural products such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Conversely, Oman could expand exports to Rwanda in areas including construction materials, natural resources, and other industrial products.

According to Al Busaidi, increased interaction between business communities and government officials from both countries will help identify additional sectors for cooperation and investment.

A longstanding relationship

Despite regional geopolitical tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world's petroleum supplies pass, Rwanda and Oman have maintained strong bilateral relations.

Al Busaidi emphasized that ties between the two countries go back many years, with several Omani families having lived in Rwanda.

He himself was born in Rwanda to an Omani father and a Rwandan mother. Other Omanis were also born or have lived in Rwanda, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

The launch of SalamAir's Muscat–Kigali route is expected to encourage Omani investment in sectors such as transportation, tourism, mining and infrastructure development.

The direct connection will also facilitate tourism in both directions while supporting Oman's ambition to use Kigali as a gateway to the wider African market.

For Rwanda, the route is expected to improve trade logistics and provide easier access to markets in the Middle East.

Speaking to IGIHE, Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security, welcomed the development, saying the new route would deepen cooperation between the two countries.

"We highly appreciate this opportunity for Rwanda to strengthen its partnership with Oman. The launch of SalamAir flights opens new possibilities for trade, tourism, and employment between our two countries."

Rwanda's Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, also said the direct flights would significantly reduce travel costs and inconvenience for passengers who previously had to connect through third countries to reach Oman.

A new destination for RwandAir

During the inauguration of SalamAir's Muscat–Kigali service, officials also revealed that RwandAir may soon begin operating flights to Oman.

Rwanda's Ambassador to Oman, Dan Munyuza, who is based in Egypt, said Omani authorities have committed to facilitating all the necessary approvals if RwandAir decides to launch the route.

Minister of State Col. Claudien Bizimungu confirmed that the bilateral air services agreement allows airlines from both countries to operate flights between Kigali and Muscat.

"RwandAir could begin operating this route in the near future because that is Rwanda's objective. Rather than relying solely on foreign airlines, we want our national carrier to provide Rwandans and international travelers with direct access to the destinations they need. We are investing in these connections to make travel and business more convenient."

Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a Middle Eastern nation whose capital, Muscat, is the destination served by the newly launched direct flights from Kigali.

The country covers approximately 309,500 square kilometers and had a population of about 5.3 million as of May 2026. Nearly half of its residents are expatriates, making Oman one of the Gulf countries with a large foreign workforce.

Arabic is the country's official language, while English is widely spoken, particularly in business, tourism, and international trade.

Oman's currency is the Omani Rial (OMR), one of the world's strongest currencies. One Omani Rial is worth more than Rwf3,800. The country is ruled by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

Oman's economy was valued at approximately $107 billion in 2024. While oil and natural gas remain the backbone of its economy, the country has been actively pursuing economic diversification by investing in tourism, mining, infrastructure, logistics and ports, and renewable energy.