Oman Air is now rumoured to join the Oneworld alliance in summer 2025, a bold move as the airline works to overcome ongoing financial challenges. The decision aligns Oman Air with aviation giants like Qatar Airways and British Airways, but the big question remains: can Oneworld membership help turn the tide for Oman Air?
Oman Air’s entry into the alliance puts it in direct competition with Qatar Airways, a long-standing Oneworld member with an established global presence. Both carriers operate in the Middle East, with Qatar Airways’ hub in Doha and Oman Air based in Muscat. While Doha is a major global transit hub, Muscat’s airport lacks the same volume of connections and infrastructure. For Oman Air, joining Oneworld represents a chance to put Muscat on the map as a viable alternative for connecting flights.
To attract passengers and fill seats, Oman Air may offer cheaper fares on Middle Eastern and connecting routes, directly challenging Qatar Airways. However, sustaining such pricing tactics could strain the airline’s already fragile finances. CEO Con Korfiatis has been clear that Oman Air must break even by 2026 or 2027, raising questions about whether aggressive pricing or reliance on alliance traffic will generate the needed revenue.
Oman Air will need a strong launch to make an impact, but how much the airline is willing – or able – to invest in this transition remains unclear. Integrating into Oneworld requires aligning operations, systems, and customer offerings, which can be costly. Without a robust strategy and significant resources, Oman Air risks joining the alliance without seeing meaningful returns.
Passengers will benefit from Oneworld perks, such as loyalty point reciprocity and access to a global network of over 900 destinations. Frequent flyers in the Sindbad loyalty programme could gain a new elite tier equivalent to Oneworld’s Emerald status, along with perks like priority boarding and lounge access. While these enhancements may boost customer satisfaction, they will need to translate into increased passenger volumes to make a difference.
With the addition of two new Boeing 787s in early 2025, Oman Air plans to resume double-daily flights to London Heathrow and expand other routes. But whether these efforts can counterbalance Qatar Airways’ dominance in the region remains uncertain. The news is a significant step forward, but if Oman Air join Oneworld, its success will depend on smart investments, competitive pricing, and making Muscat a serious contender in the Middle Eastern aviation market.
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