As of 30 June 2025, Oman Air joins Oneworld, slotting in as the alliance’s 15th full member. That gives Oneworld a stronger foothold in the Gulf, brings Muscat International Airport into play as a new hub, and adds another full-service carrier to the redemption map for Avios hunters. But here’s the real question: will Oman Air keep its reputation for decent business class fares and accessible elite status – or will the influence of Qatar Airways start to reshape it?
Let’s start with what’s changed. You can now earn and redeem Avios on Oman Air flights. Qatar Airways Privilege Club already shows award availability, and BA should follow suit shortly. Heathrow to Muscat in business class will set you back around 122,000 Avios plus £391 in taxes. Economy clocks in at 41,500 Avios with £225 in fees. It’s not bargain territory, but considering Oman Air’s premium-heavy cabins and good onboard service, it’s still a compelling redemption – especially if you’re connecting beyond the Gulf.
We’ve seen Oman Air run surprisingly competitive business class cash fares to Asia and East Africa over the years. Not as dirt-cheap as Saudia or Kuwait Airways, but often much lower than Emirates or Qatar. That pricing made it a smart pick for luxury travellers without corporate budgets. The question is how long that positioning lasts. With Qatar Airways as its sponsor into Oneworld and already deepening codeshares, there’s every chance we’ll see pricing, availability and even status earning quietly realigned to match the big boys. So, if you’ve been eyeing a deal, this might be the time to book.
The Muscat-based airline operates two daily flights from Heathrow – one daytime, one overnight – and launches a new Amsterdam route from 1 July. Oman Air also connects nicely into Southeast Asia, with services to Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Manila. For those transiting through Oman, there’s a bonus: visa-free entry for short stays, so you can break up your trip without immigration faff.
Status-wise, Oman Air’s Sindbad programme now maps directly to Oneworld tiers. Silver gets you Ruby; Gold earns you Sapphire. That unlocks business lounges, priority services and extra baggage across all Oneworld carriers. It’s a decent deal on paper, especially as Sindbad Gold hasn’t historically required excessive flying. But here’s the catch: there’s no Emerald equivalent yet, so you won’t get access to first class lounges or other top-tier perks even if you fly Oman Air business every week. A new top-tier is coming later in 2025, but we’ll need to see how hard it is to earn – and whether Oman Air follows Qatar’s lead in tightening thresholds.
We haven’t flown or reviewed Oman Air yet, but it’s one of the few Middle Eastern carriers we’re genuinely excited to try. Their long-haul business class seats on the 787 and A330 are well regarded, with elegant finishes and a focus on service over gimmicks. With a quieter hub, civilised departure times, and a solid route network, it’s easy to see why Oneworld welcomed them in.
But as Oman Air joins Oneworld, the airline enters a new playing field – one where alliance rules, codeshare politics, and revenue-based earning models tend to favour the airline over the traveller. If Oman Air keeps its sweet spot of solid service, fair fares and realistic loyalty thresholds, it could become a go-to carrier for savvy Avios users. If it leans too hard into the QR playbook? Expect higher fares, harder redemptions, and a loyalty programme designed to frustrate more than reward.
Time will tell. For now, we’ll enjoy the window while it’s still wide open.
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