- Oman Air Cargo will launch a new route between Muscat, Oman, and Kigali, Rwanda in June 2026, subject to regulatory approval, using B-737 passenger aircraft.
- The move strengthens airfreight connectivity between East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, with a focus on perishables and time-sensitive cargo.
- Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo, highlighted growing Middle East–Africa demand for specialist cargo and framed the new route as part of Oman Air’s strategy to position Muscat as a regional cargo hub.
Oman Air Cargo is set to strengthen its presence in East Africa with the launch of a new route linking Muscat and Kigali, reinforcing airfreight connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The service is scheduled to commence in June 2026, subject to regulatory approval, and will be operated using Boeing 737 passenger aircraft, providing additional bellyhold capacity for cargo.
The new Muscat–Kigali route reflects growing trade and logistics demand between the Middle East and Africa, particularly for time-sensitive and temperature-controlled shipments. By adding Rwanda to its network, Oman Air Cargo aims to support exporters in East Africa while further developing Muscat’s role as a regional cargo gateway.
The service is expected to play a key role in the movement of perishables, including fresh fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, alongside pharmaceuticals, general cargo and express consignments. These commodities are increasingly reliant on reliable airfreight links to reach international markets quickly and in optimal condition.
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Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo at Oman Air, said the expansion is aligned with market demand and the airline’s broader cargo strategy. “We are seeing sustained growth in demand between the Middle East and Africa, particularly for perishables and specialist cargo, and this new route allows us to respond with additional capacity and reach,” he said. “By expanding our network into East Africa, we are providing exporters with reliable access to our global network and strengthening Muscat’s position as a dependable cargo hub.”
Cargo uplifted in Kigali will be routed via Muscat, where it will benefit from Oman Air Cargo’s established onward connections across the Middle East, Europe and the Indian subcontinent. This hub-and-spoke model is designed to offer efficient transit times and seamless connectivity for African exports destined for global consumption markets.
With the addition of Kigali, Oman Air Cargo continues to selectively expand its network in response to evolving trade flows, positioning itself to support economic growth, supply chain resilience and increased South–South and intercontinental trade between Africa and key global regions.
