The airline's inaugural flight landed at Kigali International Airport on Tuesday, July 21, following a launch ceremony at Muscat International Airport attended by senior officials from SalamAir, Oman Airports, the Civil Aviation Authority of Oman, the Embassy of Rwanda in Oman, and aviation and tourism stakeholders.
SalamAir will operate two weekly flights between Muscat and Kigali, every Monday and Thursday, offering passengers an affordable direct connection and onward access to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
In a statement, the airline described Kigali as one of East Africa's fastest-growing destinations, noting its thriving tourism industry, expanding business environment and strategic location as a regional gateway.
'The new direct service strengthens connectivity between Oman and Rwanda while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange,' SalamAir said.
Rwanda's Ambassador to Oman, CG Dan Munyuza, said the new route marks an important milestone in strengthening relations between the two countries.
'This new route will support the growing movement of travellers, businesses, and goods between our two countries, while creating further opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment,' he said.
Munyuza also noted that should RwandAir decide to launch flights to Oman in the future, it would receive the necessary support to begin operations.
SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said the Kigali route forms part of the airline's strategy to expand into high-potential markets.
'Rwanda is a dynamic destination with significant opportunities, and we are proud to establish this direct link, which will further strengthen the relationship between our two countries while supporting Oman's tourism ambitions and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,' he said.
Rwanda's Minister of State for Infrastructure, Col. Claudien Bizimungu, said the new service is expected to increase visitor arrivals from the Middle East, facilitate business travel and reduce travel costs for Rwandans, particularly traders and other travellers who previously relied on multiple connecting flights.
The Muscat-Kigali route is expected to further strengthen the growing partnership between Rwanda and Oman while expanding Rwanda's international air connectivity.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/salamair-launches-direct-muscat-kigali-flights/
