Muscat: Kigali Airport in the Republic of Rwanda received today the first direct flight of SalamAir, the budget carrier of the Sultanate of Oman. This marks the launch of the first direct air route connecting the two countries, in a move that enhances the carrier's presence in Africa and expands its international destination network.
According to Oman News Agency, an official reception ceremony was held upon the aircraft's arrival at Kigali Airport. The event was attended by Hamoud Khalfan Al Busaidi, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Rwanda to the Sultanate of Oman; Hussain Saif Al Harthy, Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman to Rwanda; and Dan Munyuza, Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the Sultanate of Oman.
Hamoud Khalfan Al Busaidi, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Rwanda to the Sultanate of Oman, stated that the significance of operating two weekly flights lies in creating an open line for commercial exchange between the two countries, which will allow both parties freedom of trade.
On his part, Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir, said: "The launch of our flights to Kigali represents a new and significant milestone in SalamAir's growth journey, as we continue to expand our network toward promising markets that support tourism and business, and enhance international air connectivity."
He added: "Rwanda is a vibrant destination brimming with numerous opportunities. We are proud to launch this direct route, which will contribute to strengthening relations between the two countries and supporting the tourism ambitions of the Sultanate of Oman."
Meanwhile, Said Abdullah Al Rashdi, Director General of Corporate Support at SalamAir, mentioned that the inaugural flight took five hours amidst a high turnout from visiting Omani travelers. He further added that there are currently two direct SalamAir flights from Muscat to Kigali, noting the high demand for today's flight and upcoming ones. He pointed out that opportunities to increase the number of flights in the future are being studied.
Kigali is considered one of the fastest-growing destinations in East Africa, characterized by a vibrant tourism sector, a growing business environment, and a strategic location that makes it an important gateway to the region. The new direct flights also contribute to enhancing air connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Rwanda, opening new horizons for cooperation in the fields of tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
SalamAir will operate two weekly flights on the new route, providing travelers with a convenient and economical option to travel between Muscat and Kigali, in addition to the ease of connecting to other flights across its growing network of destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.