Summary: Oman new flights announced for 2026 strengthen Muscat’s hub status. Oman Air and SalamAir will introduce services to Taif, Singapore, Kigali, Zurich, Port Sudan, Damascus, Vienna and Medan, with fleet and capacity increases planned later in the year.

The Sultanate of Oman is accelerating its air connectivity in 2026 as its two primary carriers, Oman Air and SalamAir, roll out a slate of new routes linking Muscat with destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The expansion is intended to boost tourism, trade and passenger options through an enlarged Muscat hub.

Oman Air: Strengthening regional and long-haul links

Oman Air is balancing deeper regional ties with selective international growth in 2026. The carrier began the year by adding Taif, Saudi Arabia, on 31 January 2026, marking its fifth destination in the Kingdom. The route operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using Boeing 737 aircraft and aims to facilitate family, pilgrimage and business travel.

Looking further ahead, Oman Air will introduce direct service to Singapore on 2 July 2026. The Singapore link will operate four times weekly from Thursday to Sunday on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, connecting Muscat with a major Southeast Asian business and tourism hub.

The airline is also breaking new ground in Africa: a Kigali, Rwanda route is planned for June 2026 and represents Oman Air’s first direct service into Sub-Saharan Africa, recognising the region’s growing economic and tourism importance.

Seasonal European connectivity returns with a Zurich, Switzerland service resuming in May 2026 and running through September. That link operates three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to serve summer demand for Swiss destinations.

SalamAir: Budget routes to underserved markets

SalamAir is pursuing an aggressive low-cost expansion in 2026, adding routes that serve diaspora communities and cost-conscious travellers while opening new markets for Omani travellers.

  • Port Sudan, Sudan — launched 27 January 2026, three times weekly (Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays) using Airbus A320neo
  • Damascus, Syria — scheduled to start 2 May 2026 with two weekly flights
  • Vienna, Austria — new Muscat–Vienna direct service from 24 June 2026, three times weekly
  • Medan, Indonesia — inaugural service from 3 July 2026, two weekly flights

Fleet deliveries and capacity timing

Both carriers are aligning capacity with route launches. Oman Air has signalled there will be three further major route announcements mid-year tied to additional capacity coming online in October–November 2026, with potential focus on further Far East services. SalamAir plans to take delivery of three new aircraft during the year — scheduled for May, June and September — to support its European and Indonesian expansions.

Oman Air and SalamAir aircraft at Muscat International Airport illustrating new flights to Taif, Singapore, Kigali and other destinations
Oman Air and SalamAir are expanding Muscat’s network with new regional and international routes in 2026

Strategic context: Vision 2040 and hub development

These route additions align with Oman’s Vision 2040 objectives by strengthening Muscat’s role as a transit and business hub. The mix of premium long-haul and budget regional services reflects a dual strategy: attract higher-yield international traffic while improving affordable connectivity for residents and expatriate communities.

What this means for travellers and the industry

For passengers, the new services translate into more direct options, competitive fares and improved connections between the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. Airlines and tourism stakeholders can expect increased traffic into Muscat, new route development opportunities, and heightened competition on regional sectors.

So what? The expansion means travellers gain more direct choices and shorter itineraries to a range of destinations — from pilgrimage and family visits to business and leisure — while the industry benefits from a deeper, more diverse network centred on Muscat.