Oman Air Cargo sees strong potential in new Rwanda services

By Admin

13 Jan, 2026

Introduction
Oman Air Cargo is gearing up to strengthen its Africa connectivity with the launch of a new passenger-linked cargo service to Rwanda. The airline believes the new route will unlock strong cargo opportunities, particularly for perishables and time-sensitive shipments moving between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

New Muscat–Kigali route
The new service is scheduled to begin in June, operating between the airline’s hub in Muscat and Kigali, Rwanda, using a Boeing 737 aircraft. By leveraging passenger flights, the cargo division aims to offer consistent and reliable belly-hold capacity for exporters and logistics partners.

Focus on transit and connectivity
Oman Air Cargo plans to use Muscat as a strategic transit hub, enabling cargo flows from Rwanda to multiple destinations across the Middle East and Europe. The airline sees growing demand for efficient transit solutions as trade between Africa and other global regions continues to expand.

High-demand cargo verticals
Target cargo segments on the new route include perishables and time-sensitive goods. Fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers from East Africa are expected to form a significant share of volumes. In addition, pharmaceuticals, general cargo, and express shipments are also likely to be transported via this service.

Leadership perspective
According to Michael Duggan, head of cargo at Oman Air, the airline is witnessing sustained growth in demand between the Middle East and Africa, especially for specialist and perishable cargo. He noted that the new route enables the airline to add capacity and extend its reach while offering exporters reliable access to a broader global network through Muscat.

Strengthening Oman as a cargo hub
Cargo arriving in Muscat will benefit from onward connections to the Middle East, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. This positions Oman as an efficient and dependable transit hub for African exports destined for global markets, reinforcing Muscat’s growing role in international air cargo logistics.

Broader cargo network expansion
Beyond the Rwanda service, Oman Air Cargo is also preparing to launch a new route between Muscat and Singapore in July, utilising its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This expansion further underlines the airline’s strategy to grow its medium-haul cargo footprint.

Recent investments in cargo operations
The airline has been actively investing in its cargo business in recent months. In November, it announced five new General Sales Agent partnerships, adding two new offline routes to Australia and Japan. Additionally, in October, Lesley Cripps was appointed as European sales manager, strengthening the airline’s commercial presence in the region.

Conclusion
With the upcoming Rwanda service and continued network investments, Oman Air Cargo is positioning itself to capture rising Africa–Middle East–Europe trade flows. The new Muscat–Kigali route is expected to play a key role in supporting exporters, enhancing connectivity, and reinforcing Oman’s status as a reliable global cargo hub.