MUSCAT: Oman’s tourism sector is set for a major boost as the first-ever direct flights between Muscat and Beijing launch on Sunday, November 30 — a move expected to significantly increase inbound travellers by cutting flight time by two to three hours.
China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s three major carriers, earlier announced the introduction of the Beijing – Muscat route, marking the first direct air link between the two nations.
The initiative, rolled out in cooperation with Oman Airports, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), and the Chinese Embassy in Muscat, aligns with Oman’s wider strategy to attract more Chinese visitors through targeted campaigns and strengthened partnerships.
The twice-weekly service, operating on Sundays and Wednesdays on an Airbus A330-300 with 299 seats, forms part of Oman’s broader 2025 air connectivity strategy.
It complements new routes added this year by Oman Air to European destinations including Rome and Amsterdam. China Eastern Airlines recently launched a Shanghai–India service, which has already seen strong performance.
Speaking to Observer, Khalid al Azri of MoHT’s Cruise, Golf, Wedding and Charter segment said the new connection will enhance tourism and trade, providing greater convenience for leisure and business travellers from both countries.
He noted that Oman’s national tourism plan has prioritised China this year, expanding representation through new offices and partnerships with over 80 international travel companies. Promotional efforts include joint marketing campaigns, participation in global tourism exhibitions, and collaborations with regional and international airlines.
Oman welcomed 1.14 million international arrivals in the first half of 2025 — a 9.2 per cent year-on-year increase. The Sultanate of Oman aims to build on this momentum to attract 10 million visitors annually by 2040, generating US$15 billion in tourism revenue. In 2024, more than 73,000 Chinese tourists visited Oman, according to a report on the country’s global tourism outreach.
“With this new direct route, we expect a strong surge in bilateral travel and for tourism to take centre stage in supporting national priorities,” Al Azri added.
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