Oman Air Cargo is strengthening its regional and international cargo network with the launch of five new passenger routes, creating additional bellyhold freight capacity to support growing demand for perishables, high-value goods and time-critical shipments across Asia and the Middle East.
The expansion follows the addition of new services by Oman Air, with flights connecting Muscat to Singapore, Tashkent, Sochi and Abu Dhabi, alongside a new Salalah–Dubai route. All services are operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, providing additional cargo capacity in the aircraft bellyhold. The network expansion has been confirmed by Oman Air Cargo through an official announcement.
Strengthening Cargo Connectivity Across Key Markets
The new routes are designed to enhance cargo connectivity between Oman and several strategic trade markets, while offering customers greater flexibility and faster transit options.
According to Oman Air Cargo, the expanded network will primarily support shipments of perishable products, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, seafood, flowers, electronics and other high-value commodities that require rapid and reliable transportation.
Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo at Oman Air, said the additional destinations significantly strengthen the airline’s cargo offering.
“The five new destinations strengthen the options available to our cargo customers, providing greater connectivity across Asia while supporting the efficient movement of time-sensitive and high-value shipments. We are particularly pleased the additions further expand Oman Air Cargo’s perishables capability, a key objective of the airline in response to our expanding customer base.”
Singapore and Tashkent Boost Trade Opportunities
Among the newly launched services, the Muscat–Singapore route will operate four times a week, providing direct access to one of Asia’s largest air cargo hubs and strengthening onward connectivity to Southeast Asia and global markets.
Meanwhile, the Muscat–Tashkent service will operate twice weekly, opening additional freight capacity between Oman and one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing logistics markets.
Oman Air Cargo expects the Tashkent route to facilitate increased trade in perishable products and other time-sensitive cargo, supporting growing commercial ties between the two countries.
Expanded Regional Network
The latest expansion also includes services to Sochi in Russia, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and a new Salalah–Dubai connection, further enhancing regional cargo connectivity.
The current operating schedule includes:
- Muscat–Singapore: Four weekly flights
- Muscat–Tashkent: Two weekly flights
- Muscat–Sochi: One weekly flight
- Muscat–Abu Dhabi: Daily service
- Dubai–Salalah: Three weekly flights
The additional frequencies provide exporters, freight forwarders and logistics companies with greater scheduling flexibility while improving access to key regional and international markets.
Focus on Perishable Logistics
Perishable cargo continues to be a strategic growth segment for Oman Air Cargo as regional exports of seafood, fresh fruits, vegetables and agricultural products increase.
The airline aims to leverage its expanding passenger network to provide efficient cold-chain logistics solutions, enabling producers across Oman and neighbouring markets to access international destinations with shorter transit times.
The additional bellyhold capacity also supports the movement of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive shipments that require reliable handling and rapid delivery.
Exploring Freighter Partnerships
Beyond expanding its scheduled passenger network, Oman Air Cargo is also evaluating opportunities to strengthen its dedicated freight operations.
In a recent interview with Air Cargo News, Michael Duggan said the airline is exploring strategic partnerships with freighter operators serving Asia, Africa and Europe, using Muscat as a regional cargo hub.
Rather than relying solely on traditional block space agreements (BSAs), Oman Air Cargo is seeking deeper commercial collaborations that would include joint route planning and scheduling to optimise cargo connectivity across multiple regions.
Supporting Long-Term Cargo Growth
The latest network expansion reflects Oman Air Cargo’s broader strategy to strengthen Muscat’s role as a regional logistics gateway linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
By adding new bellyhold capacity and expanding access to key trade corridors, the airline aims to support growing demand for high-value, time-critical and perishable cargo while offering customers more efficient and flexible freight solutions.
