Oman–Rwanda : a new cargo route serving east Africa’s commercial ambitions
By announcing the launch of a cargo connection between Muscat and Kigali starting June 2026, Oman Air Cargo strengthens logistical links between East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. A strategic development for African exporters at a time when speed, reliability, and access to international hubs are key competitiveness levers.
Air cargo is gradually establishing itself as a strategic link in African trade. In this context, Oman Air Cargo has announced the upcoming opening of a new route connecting Muscat to Kigali. Scheduled to start in June 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, this route will operate via regular passenger flights on Boeing 737 aircraft, with capacity adapted for freight transport.
The stated goal is clear: to meet the growing demand for goods transport between Africa and the Middle East, particularly for perishable products and time-sensitive cargo. “The demand for cargo between the Middle East and Africa continues to grow, especially for perishable goods and specialized cargo,” explained Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo at Oman Air. According to him, this new route will “offer greater capacity and extended reach” for business operators.
Kigali, a rising regional logistics hub
The choice of Kigali is no accident. Rwanda has gradually positioned itself as a regional logistics platform, supported by investments in airport infrastructure and a proactive policy in favor of trade and connectivity. The new connection will facilitate the export of fresh agricultural products — fruits, vegetables, flowers — as well as pharmaceuticals, general cargo, and express shipments from East Africa.
In a region where agriculture and agro-industry account for a significant share of exports, access to regular and reliable air transport solutions remains a major challenge. Transit times, cold chain management, and flight frequency directly affect the competitiveness of African producers in international markets.
Muscat, gateway to global markets
Beyond the direct link between Rwanda and Oman, this route is part of a hub strategy. Cargo arriving in Muscat will benefit from Oman Air Cargo’s extensive network to the Middle East, Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. This interconnection strengthens Oman’s role as a transit platform for African exports to major global markets.
For African companies, particularly SMEs and cross-border traders, this setup offers an alternative to traditional routes that are often congested or expensive. It also allows diversification of logistics routes, a crucial issue in the current context of tensions in global supply chains.
A route, a strategic signal
While the success of the Muscat–Kigali route will depend on volume growth and demand stability, its launch sends a strong signal: East Africa is now seen as a strategic trade partner by Middle Eastern hubs. For African exporters, this new route represents a tangible opportunity to better integrate into global value chains, provided they enhance the quality, compliance, and reliability of their products.
In an economic environment where logistics is becoming a decisive factor in competitiveness, the connection between Oman and Rwanda could thus play a structuring role in transforming trade between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
