Kigali, 21 July 2026 — Rwanda welcomed the inaugural SalamAir flight connecting Muscat and Kigali, marking another significant milestone in strengthening aviation links and economic cooperation between the Republic of Rwanda, the Sultanate of Oman, and the wider Middle East.

The inaugural ceremony was officiated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, alongside the Ambassador of Rwanda to the Sultanate of Oman, the Consul of the Sultanate of Oman to Rwanda, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, representatives of the Sultanate of Oman, Senior officials from Rwanda’s aviation sector and other invited guests.

SalamAir will operate the direct Muscat–Kigali service twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with an approximate flight time of five hours. The new route expands Rwanda's international air connectivity and is expected to facilitate tourism, trade, investment and business exchanges across Africa and the Gulf region.

Operating under a low-cost carrier model, SalamAir complements RwandAir’s full-service offering by broadening affordable travel options between Rwanda, Oman and onward destinations. The service also supports Rwanda’s ambition to strengthen Kigali’s position as a regional aviation gateway.

In his remarks during the inauguration ceremony, Minister of State Col. Claudien Bizimungu described the new route as an important milestone in the longstanding relationship between Rwanda and Oman.

"This route represents far more than an additional air service. 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.

The launch follows another major milestone achieved earlier this year. On 11^th January 2026, Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, announced the introduction of direct flights to Kigali during a signing ceremony hosted by His Excellency Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman, in Muscat. The announcement was made during the official visit of His Excellency Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, underscoring the two countries' shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and enhancing connectivity between Africa and the Gulf.

The introduction of SalamAir services builds on this momentum, further demonstrating growing confidence among international airlines in Rwanda's aviation sector and its strategic position as a gateway to the African continent.

Rwanda and the Sultanate of Oman have enjoyed more than 28 years of diplomatic relations, underpinned by longstanding trade cooperation and an expanding partnership across multiple sectors. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to further strengthen these ties by creating new opportunities for business, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.

Rwanda continues to register strong growth in tourism and business travel, driven by its globally recognized conservation efforts, premium eco-tourism experiences, and world-class Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) infrastructure. Kigali has established itself as one of Africa's leading destinations for international conferences and investment forums through sustained government investment in modern infrastructure, efficient public services, and a conducive business environment.

The new Muscat–Kigali connection is expected to improve access for travellers, investors, and entrepreneurs from Oman and across the Gulf while providing Rwandan businesses and travellers with stronger links to the Middle East and onward global destinations.

The Government of Rwanda reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international airline partners to expand air connectivity, enhance transport infrastructure, and support sustainable economic development through increased regional and international integration.

As Rwanda continues to expand its global connectivity, partnerships such as this reaffirm the country's commitment to becoming a leading gateway for travel, trade, and investment, while strengthening the enduring friendship between the people of Rwanda and the Sultanate of Oman.