Oman (Washington Insider) - Oman Air will launch 4 weekly Muscat–Singapore flights from July 2, 2026, boosting tourism, trade (OR 500M+), and connectivity. CEO Con Korfiatis and diplomat Syed Noureddin highlighted strategic and cultural benefits.
As Times of Oman reported, Oman Air is set to launch 4 non-stop flights each week between Muscat and Singapore starting on July 2, 2026. They mentioned that the new route marks a major step in the relationship between the 2 countries as they celebrate 40 years of diplomatic ties. Officials describe the service as transformational for tourism, trade, and investment.
In his exclusive remarks to Times of Oman, he said:
"This is a very exciting and meaningful development, coming in the 40th anniversary year of Singapore-Omani diplomatic relations."
“For the first time, we have true point-to-point connectivity between our two countries, and that fundamentally changes the possibilities for travel, business and people-to-people exchanges."
What impact will Oman Air’s Muscat–Singapore flights have on trade and tourism?
Syed Noureddin bin Syed Hassim, Charge d’Affaires and Minister-Counsellor at the Singapore Embassy, said Oman remains a “hidden gem” for Singaporeans and other Southeast Asian travellers.
"Once visitors experience Oman, they are genuinely taken by what the country has to offer,"
he said.
"With direct flights, even short leisure breaks become possible, and that is something Singaporean travellers are already very accustomed to."
He highlighted the country’s growing reputation as a premium, experience-focused destination. Beyond tourism, the new link is expected to strengthen economic engagement. Bilateral trade currently tops OR 500 million each year, with petrochemicals forming a large part of the exchange.
"At over half a billion rials, trade between Singapore and Oman already has a strong base, but there is clear scope for growth,"
Syed Noureddin said.
"Greater awareness, easier access and more frequent business travel will naturally lead to deeper commercial ties."
Officials also pointed to emerging opportunities in logistics, digital services, fintech, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Oman and Singapore are strategically positioned at opposite ends of the Indian Ocean.
"Oman and Singapore can function as complementary hubs - Oman serving the GCC, East Africa and Europe, and Singapore connecting into Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific,’’
he said.
"This is where the real strategic value lies."
The Muscat–Singapore flights take on added importance following Oman Air’s entry into the oneworld alliance. Passengers will now have seamless connections to major destinations, including Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong.
"With Oman's solar and wind potential and Singapore's energy transition needs, there is significant scope for cooperation in renewables and green technologies,"
he said.
Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis said the service will allow the airline to tap into high-demand Asia-Pacific routes while strengthening Muscat’s role as a bridge between East and West. Singapore’s Changi Airport, a leading international aviation hub with a strong oneworld presence, will serve as a key gateway to Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
"These links are not new - they go back centuries through maritime trade across the Indian Ocean,"
Syed Noureddin said.
"What we are doing now is modernising and institutionalising those connections for the next phase of growth."
The airline plans to increase the service to daily flights as demand grows.
"Singapore and Oman share common sensibilities as maritime nations that value openness, international law and cooperation,"
he said.
"This direct air link reflects that shared outlook and our mutual respect."
For Oman, Muscat will serve as a key stopover hub connecting Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. For Singapore, the new route provides direct access to one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing tourism and investment markets. The service will use Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
As Korfiatis summed up:
"With demand growing for distinctive destinations and high-quality travel experiences, this service expands choice for both leisure and business travellers. It also reinforces Muscat's role as an important hub between East and West, enabling efficient connectivity between Asia-Pacific markets and Europe, complemented by our oneworld partners."
Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President, Air Hub & Cargo Development of Changi Airport Group, added,
"Oman Air's new direct service to Muscat will introduce an exciting city link to Changi Airport's wide connectivity network, while creating new travel opportunities between the two markets."
Oman Air is also in advanced talks with India’s IndiGo Airlines to create a codeshare partnership. Mike Rutter, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman Air, said the deal will let the airline access IndiGo’s domestic and regional network. This will improve connections between India, Oman, and onward destinations via Muscat. CEO Con Korfiatis said the airline is looking at 4 to 5 new destinations for 2026 under a 5-year network plan following Oman Air’s entry into the oneworld alliance.
With the recent increase in size of Oman Air's fleet, there is also significant growth potential for the airline. Today, Oman Air has 9 of the Boeing 787 large-body commercial jet aircraft in service, with an additional aircraft scheduled to arrive shortly to make a total of 10.
6 additional Boeing 787's are also expected to be delivered following January 2027. The fleet of Boeing 737's will be expanded similarly, with deliveries beginning in January 2026 and additional aircraft planned for use on regional and medium-haul routes.
Oman and Singapore established diplomatic relations in 1986. Today, trade between Oman and Singapore consists of more than OR 500 million of trade each year, primarily focused on petrochemicals, but increasingly other growing sectors of logistics, fintech and renewable energy.
Founded in 1958, Oman Air has continually grown its global reach via its network, which now includes connections with all 5 continents through its membership of the oneworld Alliance; moreover, Singapore's Changi International Airport, which opened in the year 1981, serves as a significant international gateway connecting Southeast Asia and the Middle East.