Muscat, Oman – Oman Air Cargo has launched a new scheduled service connecting Muscat with Kigali, marking the carrier’s entry into Rwanda and significantly expanding its footprint in East Africa. The move strengthens cargo connectivity for African exporters to key markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent through Oman’s growing aviation hub.
Scheduled to commence in June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, the route will be operated using Boeing 737 passenger aircraft, offering belly hold capacity tailored for perishable and time-sensitive goods. The introduction of reliable scheduled flights provides an alternative to the more ad-hoc charter model, promising greater stability for export-dependent industries.
“We are responding to sustained growth in demand between the Middle East and Africa, particularly for specialized and perishable commodities,” said Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo at Oman Air. “This new route allows us to offer exporters in East Africa reliable access to our global network while reinforcing Muscat’s role as a dependable cargo hub for consolidation and transit.”
The service is strategically timed to support Rwanda’s growing export economy, which includes fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, alongside pharmaceuticals, general cargo, and express shipments. By routing through Muscat, these goods will gain efficient access to destinations across Oman Air’s network, including major markets in the Gulf, South Asia, and Europe.
Oman Air Cargo is leveraging its certified infrastructure at Muscat International Airport, which features temperature-controlled storage and handling facilities approved for pharmaceuticals and fresh produce. The carrier’s fleet, which includes Boeing 737 MAX and 787-9 aircraft, supports this expansion with both dedicated and belly-hold capacity.
Industry observers note that the new route aligns with broader efforts to enhance air trade corridors between Africa and the Middle East. As global supply chains evolve, Oman’s geographic position and invested logistics capabilities position it as a competitive transit point for time-sensitive African exports heading to international markets.
This launch not only deepens Oman Air’s engagement in Africa but also supports Rwanda’s ambition to become a regional logistics and export hub, creating a more integrated and resilient air cargo network for East African trade.
