Riyadh Air has taken a strategic step in its Gulf expansion by appointing Khimji’s Travel & Tourism as its exclusive General Sales Agent in Oman, marking a significant milestone for regional aviation and cross-border tourism. The partnership brings together one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious new airlines and one of Oman’s most respected business institutions, creating a powerful alliance that reflects the evolving dynamics of Gulf Cooperation Council connectivity.
Khimji’s Travel & Tourism is part of the Khimji Ramdas Group, a business house deeply rooted in Oman’s economic and social fabric for more than a century. Known for its extensive reach, trusted reputation, and strong understanding of local travel behaviour, Khimji’s appointment underscores Riyadh Air’s intent to build meaningful, long-term partnerships rather than transactional sales arrangements.
Leveraging Local Legacy and Regional Vision
By selecting Khimji’s Travel as its exclusive representative in Oman, Riyadh Air gains immediate access to deep local expertise and an established distribution network spanning the Sultanate. This partnership enables Riyadh Air to effectively engage Omani travelers, travel agencies, and corporate clients through a familiar and trusted local presence.
Khimji’s long-standing relationships across the leisure, corporate, and government travel segments provide Riyadh Air with a strong foundation as it prepares to enter commercial operations. The collaboration also reflects shared values around service excellence, innovation, and customer-centric travel solutions.
A Digital-First Airline Meets Local Expertise
Riyadh Air positions itself as a digitally native airline, designed from the ground up to deliver a seamless, technology-driven passenger experience. From booking and personalization to loyalty and onboard services, the airline aims to redefine how travelers interact with air travel.
The partnership with Khimji’s Travel ensures that this digital-first vision is complemented by human expertise on the ground. Omani travelers will benefit from a blend of advanced digital tools and personalized local support, creating a smoother journey from planning to post-travel service.
Senior leadership at Riyadh Air has emphasized that regional partnerships are central to the airline’s growth strategy, particularly in neighboring GCC markets where travel demand is strong and cultural ties are deep.
Strengthening Saudi–Oman Travel and Trade
The timing of the agreement is particularly significant. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its transformation into a global tourism and business destination, driven by large-scale developments and liberalized travel policies. At the same time, Oman continues to position itself as a premium, nature-focused destination with strong appeal to regional and international travelers.
Enhanced air connectivity between Oman and Saudi Arabia is expected to support business travel, tourism flows, and broader economic cooperation. The partnership is set to facilitate increased flight frequencies, improved market access, and more competitive travel options for passengers moving between Muscat, Riyadh, and beyond.
For business communities, better connectivity supports trade, investment, and professional mobility. For leisure travelers, it opens the door to curated experiences across Saudi Arabia’s cultural, heritage, and entertainment destinations.
Sustainability and Modern Fleet Advantage
Riyadh Air’s operational strategy includes deploying one of the most modern and fuel-efficient fleets in global aviation, featuring next-generation aircraft designed to reduce emissions and improve passenger comfort. This aligns with growing regional and global emphasis on sustainable travel practices.
For Omani travelers, the partnership offers access to environmentally conscious travel options without compromising on service quality or network reach. Sustainability is increasingly influencing travel choices, and Riyadh Air’s fleet strategy positions it well with forward-looking travelers.
What Travelers in Oman Can Expect
For everyday travelers in Muscat, Salalah, and across Oman, the appointment of Khimji’s Travel as Riyadh Air’s GSA translates into tangible benefits. Passengers can expect easier access to information, localized customer support, and tailored travel products designed specifically for the Omani market.
Travelers will also gain simplified booking and connection options, particularly for those using Riyadh as a hub to reach the airline’s planned global network. As Riyadh Air scales toward its vision of serving more than 100 international destinations, Omani passengers will be well positioned to benefit from expanded global access.
Premium service standards, combined with Khimji’s hospitality-driven approach, aim to deliver a travel experience that feels both modern and familiar.
A Broader Vision for GCC Aviation
Beyond immediate commercial benefits, the partnership reflects a broader shift toward greater integration within the GCC aviation and tourism ecosystem. By combining Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation strategy with Oman’s established travel expertise, the alliance demonstrates how regional collaboration can accelerate growth and competitiveness on the global stage.
Riyadh Air is projected to make a substantial contribution to economic diversification, job creation, and non-oil GDP growth. Strategic partnerships across the Gulf ensure that these benefits extend beyond national borders, reinforcing the region’s collective standing as a global aviation and tourism powerhouse.
Looking Ahead to 2030
As Saudi Arabia advances toward its long-term development goals and Oman continues to strengthen its tourism offering, partnerships like that between Riyadh Air and Khimji’s Travel provide a blueprint for sustainable, collaborative growth. The alliance is expected to foster economic opportunity, enhance cultural exchange, and elevate travel standards across the region.
For travelers, businesses, and the wider tourism industry, the message is clear: Gulf aviation is entering a new era—one defined by innovation, partnership, and shared regional ambition.
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