In a move destined to delight frequent flyers and disrupt flight paths in all the right ways, Oman Air has officially joined the oneworld® alliance, becoming its 15th full-fledged member and giving global travel a distinctly Arabian flavour.
As of 1 July, the Sultanate of Oman’s national carrier now shares the prestigious airline table with Qantas, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines — and it’s not just for show. This move marks a significant leap in international connectivity across the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and beyond.
“We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld, in a statement no doubt followed by a celebratory round of Arabic coffee. “Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia.”
A New Jewel in oneworld’s Crown
With its hub snugly nestled in Muscat — a city known as much for its souqs and frankincense trails as its cosmopolitan airport — Oman Air now flings open the gates to 42 destinations across 22 countries. Passengers from Amsterdam to Zanzibar can now hitch a seamless ride on the wings of one of the most decorated airlines in the Middle East.
Speaking of Amsterdam, the airline has wasted no time expanding its footprint, launching a nonstop Muscat–Amsterdam service just in time to test out its oneworld stripes.
Loyalty Pays, in Style
It’s not just about where you can go, but how you’re treated along the way — and on that front, Oman Air is rolling out the gold-embroidered carpet.
Now part of oneworld’s tightly knit alliance, passengers holding Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby status across any of the alliance’s member carriers will enjoy access to Oman Air perks including priority boarding, extra baggage, lounge access and — the holy grail of modern air travel — points earning and redemption across the network.
Meanwhile, Oman Air’s elite flyers gain reciprocal access to a network of nearly 700 premium lounges worldwide, including the spanking-new oneworld lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and Seoul Incheon — just the ticket for a stress-free stopover.
“Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance,” said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. “We are thrilled to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.”
That’s no idle boast. If you’ve ever been greeted in Muscat by a smiling staff member and a rosewater-scented towel, you’ll know precisely what he means.
Award-Winning Service and Arabian Sophistication
Oman Air isn’t just another addition to the alliance — it’s a feather in oneworld’s tarboosh. The airline has spent years quietly perfecting its in-flight offering, collecting accolades like stamps on a seasoned traveller’s passport.
In 2025 alone, it took home Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the APEX Awards — two awards you don’t win by dishing out instant noodles at 35,000 feet. And if that weren’t enough, it was also among just ten airlines worldwide to be awarded APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ — a mouthful of a title but one that speaks volumes about its world-class consistency.
Oman Air’s Business Studio suites, particularly on longer-haul routes, provide the semi-private in-flight experience that makes you wish the journey was a little longer. And back on the ground, their Muscat International Airport Business Lounge also clinched the elusive APEX WORLD CLASS status in late 2024 — a first for any airline lounge globally.
A More Connected Middle East
From a strategic standpoint, this new alliance member fills a critical gap in oneworld’s map. While Emirates and Qatar Airways dominate headlines with their megahubs, Oman Air is playing a quietly effective game of niche routes and thoughtful service, flying under the radar — until now.
Its addition helps tie together travel between Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia in ways that were previously only possible with multiple transfers and a pinch of prayer.
The move will also benefit Australian travellers heading west via oneworld partner Qantas, offering seamless connections through the Gulf to destinations as diverse as Kathmandu, Zanzibar, and Milan.
The Takeaway
In a world where airline alliances often feel like symbolic club memberships, Oman Air’s induction into oneworld is the real deal. It’s a win for the alliance, a win for passengers, and — if first impressions are anything to go by — a royal flush for the Sultanate of Oman’s tourism ambitions.
So next time you book that long-haul odyssey or eyeing up those frequent flyer points, keep Muscat on your radar. The gateway to the Gulf just got a lot more glamorous.
For more information, visit www.oneworld.com.
By My Thanh Pham
