Oman Air Cargo has launched a new Muscat to Kigali service, marking its entry into Rwanda and expanding its East Africa footprint as it builds cargo connectivity between African exporters and markets in the Middle East, Europe and the Indian subcontinent.
The Muscat-Kigali service is scheduled to operate on B-737 passenger aircraft from June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The flights will add bellyhold capacity for perishables and time-sensitive cargo moving between East Africa and markets served via Muscat.
“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,” said Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo, Oman Air.
The new route will support the movement of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables and flowers, along with pharmaceuticals, general cargo and express shipments originating in East Africa. These flows are expected to benefit from scheduled services rather than charter-dependant capacity.
“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 moving through Muscat will connect onwards to destinations across the Middle East, Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The carrier is positioning its hub as a consolidation and transit point for African exports heading into multiple international markets.
Oman Air Cargo operates a fleet that includes B-737-MAX and B-787-9 aircraft and supports cargo handling through its warehouse infrastructure in Muscat. The facility is certified for fresh and pharmaceutical cargo and includes temperature-controlled storage designed to handle perishables and medical shipments moving through the hub.
