Oman Air Officially Joins oneworld Alliance to Expand Reach

Key Takeaways

• Oman Air joined oneworld as the 15th full member on July 1, 2025, expanding global network reach.
• The airline offers access to 900+ destinations, reciprocal loyalty status, and nearly 700 lounges worldwide.
• New direct Muscat-Amsterdam route enhances connections across Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

On July 1, 2025, Oman Air officially became the 15th full member of the oneworld alliance, marking a major milestone for both The airline and the alliance. This move is set to reshape air travel options across the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Far East. Oman Air’s entry into oneworld brings new destinations, expanded benefits for travelers, and a stronger presence for the alliance in a region known for its rapid aviation growth. The airline’s hub at Muscat International Airport now stands as a key gateway for international travelers, offering new connections and services that will impact frequent flyers, business travelers, and tourists alike.

Oman Air’s Journey to the oneworld Alliance

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, was established in 1993. Over the past three decades, it has grown from a small domestic carrier into a respected international airline. Its main base, Muscat International Airport, has become a modern hub connecting Oman to the world. The airline operates a fleet of advanced aircraft, including Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners, and is known for its high-quality service. Oman Air offers three cabin classes, with its Business Studio providing private suites on select long-haul flights, setting a high standard for comfort and privacy.

The airline’s commitment to quality has been recognized with several international awards. In 2024, Oman Air received the APEX Five-Star Major Airline Award. It also won Best Food & Beverage and Best Cabin Service in the Middle East at the Apex 2025 Awards. Notably, its Business Class Lounge at Muscat International Airport was the first in the world to receive the APEX WORLD CLASS by YATES+ status, highlighting its focus on premium passenger experiences.

Why Oman Air Joined the oneworld Alliance

The decision for Oman Air to join the oneworld alliance is part of a larger strategy to expand its global reach and improve travel options for its customers. The oneworld alliance is one of the world’s leading airline groups, bringing together major carriers to offer seamless travel across a vast network. By joining, Oman Air gains access to a network of over 900 destinations in more than 170 countries. This move also strengthens oneworld’s presence in the Gulf region, an area with growing demand for international travel.

Oman Air is now the third Middle Eastern airline in the oneworld alliance, joining Royal Jordanian (a member since 2007) and Qatar Airways (since 2013). This addition helps oneworld compete more effectively with other global alliances and Middle Eastern carriers, many of which have been expanding rapidly in recent years.

What This Means for Travelers

The integration of Oman Air into the oneworld alliance brings a host of new benefits for travelers. Here’s what passengers can expect:

Expanded Earning and Redemption of Miles

Frequent flyers can now earn and redeem miles across all oneworld member airlines. This includes popular loyalty programs such as:

• British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
• American Airlines AAdvantage
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Oman Air’s own Sindbad loyalty program

This means that a traveler flying from Muscat to London on Oman Air can earn miles that can later be used for flights on any other oneworld airline, and vice versa.

Reciprocal Status Recognition

Oman Air’s Sindbad loyalty program members now enjoy reciprocal status within the oneworld alliance:

• Sindbad Silver members are recognized as oneworld Ruby
• Sindbad Gold members are recognized as oneworld Sapphire
• Sindbad Platinum members are recognized as oneworld Emerald, the alliance’s highest tier

This status recognition brings a range of benefits, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, as well as access to premium airport lounges.

Lounge Access and Premium Services

Travelers with eligible status can now access nearly 700 airport lounges worldwide, including newly opened oneworld-branded lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol and Seoul Incheon airports. Oman Air passengers departing from Muscat International Airport can enjoy the airline’s award-winning lounges, while oneworld status holders can use alliance lounges around the globe. These lounges offer comfortable spaces to relax, work, or dine before flights, making travel more enjoyable.

Seamless Connections and New Destinations

Oman Air’s membership adds two new destinations to the oneworld map, including a new non-stop service between Muscat and Amsterdam. The airline currently serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories, many of which are key oneworld hubs. This integration allows for smoother connections between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, positioning Muscat as a strategic transit point for international travelers.

Enhanced Travel Experience

With Oman Air’s modern fleet and award-winning service, passengers can expect a high level of comfort and hospitality. The airline’s Business Studio private suites on select long-haul flights offer privacy and luxury, while its focus on food and beverage ensures a quality dining experience in the air.

Statements from Key Leaders

The significance of Oman Air joining the oneworld alliance has been highlighted by leaders from both organizations.

Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld, said:
“We are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family. Oman Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld’s position as the premium alliance for international travelers.”

Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air, commented:
“Oman Air is honoured to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travelers want to experience. We are thrilled to welcome oneworld customers to the Sultanate of Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.”

Strategic Impact on the Region and the Alliance

Oman Air’s entry into oneworld is more than just a new partnership; it’s a strategic move that changes the landscape of air travel in the Gulf and beyond. The Middle East is a highly competitive aviation market, with several major airlines vying for dominance. By joining oneworld, Oman Air strengthens its position against regional rivals and helps the alliance offer more choices to travelers.

The addition of Muscat International Airport as a new hub expands oneworld’s network, making it easier for travelers to connect between continents. This is especially important for passengers traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa, who can now use Muscat as a convenient transit point.

Oman Air’s membership also supports the Sultanate of Oman’s goal to become a leading tourist destination. The country is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. With better air connections and increased visibility through the oneworld alliance, Oman is likely to attract more international visitors, boosting tourism and the local economy.

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

For Frequent Flyers

Frequent travelers stand to gain the most from this development. They can now:

• Earn and redeem miles across all oneworld airlines
• Enjoy reciprocal status benefits such as lounge access, priority services, and extra baggage allowance
• Access a wider network of destinations and seamless connections

For Business Travelers

Business travelers benefit from:

• Improved connectivity between key business hubs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
• Premium services such as private suites, award-winning lounges, and priority handling
• Flexible travel options with more flights and better schedules

For Tourists and Leisure Travelers

Tourists can now:

• Explore new destinations with easier connections through Muscat International Airport
• Experience Omani culture and hospitality with convenient flights and high-quality service
• Take advantage of competitive fares as alliances compete for passengers

For the Sultanate of Oman

The country gains:

• Increased international visibility as a travel and tourism hub
• Economic benefits from higher tourist arrivals and business travel
• Support for national development goals in aviation and tourism

New Routes and Network Growth

One of the immediate benefits of Oman Air’s oneworld membership is the launch of a new non-stop service between Muscat and Amsterdam. This route not only connects Oman with a major European city but also links two important oneworld hubs, making travel between Europe and the Middle East more convenient.

Oman Air’s integration into the alliance is expected to lead to further network growth. The airline may introduce new routes and expand codeshare agreements with other oneworld members, offering even more travel options in the future.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

The Middle East is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing airlines and busiest airports. Oman Air’s move to join oneworld is likely to intensify competition among carriers in the region. Passengers may benefit from more competitive fares, improved service offerings, and greater choice as airlines strive to attract travelers.

The alliance’s expanded presence in the Gulf region also positions it to better serve the growing demand for international travel, especially as more people in the region travel for business, education, and leisure.

Oman Air’s elevated profile through oneworld is expected to attract more international travelers to Oman, supporting the country’s broader economic and tourism development goals. The airline’s focus on quality and service, combined with the alliance’s global reach, sets the stage for continued growth and innovation.

How to Access Oman Air’s oneworld Benefits

To help travelers understand and access the new benefits, Oman Air has launched a dedicated sub-site for its oneworld membership. This site provides detailed information on:

• Membership benefits
• Routes and destinations
• Loyalty program integration

Travelers can visit the Oman Air oneworld page for the latest updates and details.

For official information about the oneworld alliance, including member airlines and global benefits, travelers can visit the oneworld official website.

For media or official inquiries, oneworld can be contacted at [email protected].

Summary Table: Oman Air’s oneworld Membership at a Glance

Official Government Resource

For travelers planning to visit Oman, it’s important to check visa requirements and entry rules. The official Royal Oman Police eVisa portal provides up-to-date information on tourist and business visas for Oman. This resource helps travelers prepare for their journey and ensures they meet all entry requirements.

Conclusion: A New Era for Oman Air and oneworld

Oman Air’s entry into the oneworld alliance marks a new chapter for the airline, the alliance, and the region. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move enhances global connectivity, offers more benefits to travelers, and positions Muscat International Airport as a key hub for international travel. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or a tourist, Oman Air’s oneworld membership opens up new possibilities for seamless, comfortable, and rewarding journeys across the globe.

Travelers are encouraged to explore the new routes, take advantage of expanded loyalty benefits, and experience the unique hospitality that Oman Air and the Sultanate of Oman have to offer. With its modern fleet, award-winning service, and now the backing of a global alliance, Oman Air is set to play a leading role in shaping the future of air travel in the Middle East and beyond.

Learn Today

oneworld alliance → A global airline network offering coordinated schedules and benefits across major carriers worldwide.
Sindbad loyalty program → Oman Air’s frequent flyer program allowing members to earn and redeem miles within oneworld.
Business Studio → Oman Air’s premium cabin featuring private suites on select long-haul flights for privacy and comfort.
codeshare agreements → Partnerships allowing airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights for broader travel options.
Muscat International Airport → Oman Air’s main hub airport and a growing strategic transit point in the Middle East.

This Article in a Nutshell

Oman Air’s 2025 entry into oneworld adds a strategic hub at Muscat Airport, improving connectivity and traveler benefits through expanded routes, loyalty programs, and premium services. This alliance boosts Oman’s tourism and regional aviation competitiveness, setting new standards in passenger experience across multiple continents.
— By VisaVerge.com