The airline announced that operations are scheduled to begin on July 21, 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The route will run twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with one-way Lite fares starting from OMR 69.99 (approximately Rwf 260,000).
The new connection is expected to support growing business and trade links between Oman and East Africa. By offering direct and lower-cost travel, SalamAir aims to tap into demand from business travellers, investors, and the tourism sector.
“Kigali is a natural addition to our growing African network, offering strong fundamentals across business and leisure travel,” said Steven Allen, Chief Commercial Officer at SalamAir.
Allen pointed to Rwanda’s steady growth in tourism and corporate travel, as well as Kigali’s role as a gateway to regional markets.
“Kigali itself is a vibrant, modern gateway, known for its culture, markets, and historical landmarks, and it opens the door to some of Africa’s most compelling nature and eco tourism attractions. As part of our wider network strategy, we remain focused on linking Oman with high-growth markets through affordable, reliable, and direct connectivity,” he added.
Kigali has positioned itself as a hub for conferences, investment, and innovation, supported by infrastructure such as the Kigali Convention Centre and ongoing developments in the aviation sector, including the new Bugesera International Airport.
The new airport is scheduled for completion in 2027. Upon completion of the first phase, it will have the capacity to handle seven million passengers annually. A second phase, planned for completion in 2032, is expected to expand capacity to 14 million passengers per year. It is expected to play a central role in boosting economic growth and positioning the country as a regional and continental aviation hub.
Meanwhile, the new Muscat and Kigali route comes as Rwanda and Oman continue to deepen economic ties, with air connectivity seen as a key driver of trade, tourism, and investment flows between the two countries.
SalamAir’s move follows a similar plan by Oman Air, which is also preparing to launch direct flights between Muscat and Kigali in June 2026. The development is linked to broader agreements between the two countries covering areas such as logistics, infrastructure, and digital services.
For SalamAir, the Kigali route forms part of its wider expansion strategy. The airline currently operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving 38 destinations with more than 80 daily flights. Additional aircraft are expected to join its fleet from mid-2026 as it increases capacity.
The entry of new carriers on the Muscat–Kigali route is likely to improve connectivity and offer more travel options for businesses and passengers moving between East Africa and the Middle East.
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