The inaugural flight landed in Kigali on July 21, 2026.
The launch ceremony was held at Muscat International Airport and was attended by officials and representatives from SalamAir, Oman Airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, the Embassy of Rwanda in Oman, aviation and tourism partners, and members of the media.
The first flight also carried a delegation from Oman traveling to Rwanda to join celebrations marking the opening of the new route.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Oman, CG Dan Munyuza, described the launch as a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between Rwanda and Oman.
He thanked the Government of Oman for supporting the opening of direct flights to Kigali, calling it a historic achievement.
Ambassador Munyuza also said that if RwandAir decides to launch flights to Oman, it would receive the necessary support and could begin operations as soon as it is ready.
Rwanda welcomed the new air link, saying it will further strengthen ties between the two countries and increase people-to-people exchanges.
SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said the Kigali route represents another important milestone in the airline’s strategy to expand into promising tourism and business markets.
“Launching our flights to Kigali is another significant step in SalamAir’s expansion journey as we continue to enter new markets that promote tourism, trade, and greater international connectivity,” he said.
SalamAir will operate two weekly flights between Muscat and Kigali every Monday and Thursday, providing travelers with a more affordable and convenient way to travel between Oman and Rwanda.
Oman’s Honorary Consul to Rwanda, Hamood Khalfan Al Busaidi, praised the growing partnership between the two countries, saying the new route will particularly benefit business communities.
Rwanda’s Minister of State for Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, said expanding air connectivity remains one of the country’s priorities for driving economic growth.
He expressed confidence that the new route would increase the number of visitors from the Middle East, create new investment opportunities, and make international travel easier and more affordable for Rwandans.
Bizimungu noted that many Rwandan traders who previously traveled through multiple countries to reach destinations such as Dubai, Asia, or Europe will now enjoy faster, more direct, and less expensive journeys.
Passengers traveling with SalamAir will also have access to the airline’s wider network across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The new route comes amid growing cooperation between Rwanda and Oman and is expected to strengthen trade, tourism, and investment between the two countries.
Following the arrival of the inaugural SalamAir flight, a welcome ceremony was held at Kigali International Airport in honour of the visiting delegation from the Sultanate of Oman.
Officials from both nations shared remarks and exchanged commemorative gifts, reaffirming a shared commitment to stronger connectivity, tourism, and cooperation between Rwanda and Oman
