Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, Riyadh Air, has entered a strategic partnership with Khimji’s Travel & Tourism, a leading travel company in Oman. The agreement was announced during the Dubai Airshow 2025. It marks a major step in Riyadh Air’s plan to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Under this partnership, Khimji’s Travel & Tourism becomes Riyadh Air’s exclusive sales and distribution partner in Oman. The collaboration aims to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. It also supports the growing demand for regional travel within the GCC.
This move signals Riyadh Air’s intent to establish a strong footprint in neighboring Gulf markets. Oman plays a key role due to its rising outbound travel demand and strong tourism links with Saudi Arabia.
Focus on Seamless Oman–Saudi Travel Links
The partnership focuses on improving access and convenience for travelers moving between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Khimji’s Travel & Tourism will manage ticket sales, promotion, and customer engagement for Riyadh Air in the Omani market.
With its deep understanding of local travel patterns, Khimji’s Travel is well placed to support the airline’s entry. The company brings decades of experience in corporate travel, leisure tourism, and destination management.
For Riyadh Air, this collaboration allows faster market penetration without building a large on-ground structure. It also ensures strong local support for customers in Oman.
Boost for Tourism Between Oman and Saudi Arabia
Improved air connectivity will benefit tourism flows in both directions. Saudi travelers continue to show strong interest in Oman’s beaches, mountains, and cultural heritage. Muscat, Salalah, and Nizwa remain popular leisure destinations.
At the same time, Omanis are traveling more frequently to Saudi Arabia. Religious tourism, entertainment events, business travel, and city breaks in Riyadh and Jeddah drive demand.
Easier access through Riyadh Air’s network will encourage multi-destination travel. Tourists can combine visits to both countries in a single trip. This supports longer stays and higher tourism spending.
Supporting National Tourism Strategies
The partnership aligns closely with national tourism goals in both countries. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places tourism at the center of economic diversification. The Kingdom continues to invest heavily in aviation, airports, and destination development.
Riyadh Air plays a strategic role in this vision. The airline aims to connect Saudi Arabia to major global and regional destinations. Strong GCC connectivity remains a core pillar of its network strategy.
Oman also prioritizes tourism as a growth sector. The country focuses on sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and nature-based experiences. Better regional air links support these objectives by attracting high-value visitors from nearby markets.
Riyadh Air’s Digital-First Expansion Strategy
Launched in 2025, Riyadh Air positions itself as a digitally native airline. It focuses on modern aircraft, advanced booking systems, and customer-centric technology. The airline targets both leisure and business travelers across short- and long-haul routes.
Within the GCC, Riyadh Air plans to link major cities with high-frequency services. These routes support business travel, weekend tourism, and visiting friends and relatives traffic.
The Oman partnership fits neatly into this strategy. It strengthens regional connectivity while feeding traffic into Riyadh Air’s wider international network.
Khimji’s Travel’s Role in Market Development
Khimji’s Travel & Tourism operates under the Khimji Ramdas Group, one of Oman’s most established business groups. The company offers end-to-end travel services, including airline representation, holiday packages, and corporate travel solutions.
As Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner, Khimji’s Travel will lead brand awareness efforts in Oman. It will also develop tailored travel products for Omani customers.
The partnership expands Khimji’s airline portfolio and reinforces its position as a trusted aviation partner in the region. It also reflects the company’s focus on supporting new and innovative carriers entering the Omani market.
Economic Impact on the GCC Travel Sector
The collaboration is expected to generate positive ripple effects across the GCC travel ecosystem. Increased flights drive demand for hotels, transport services, retail, and attractions.
Better connectivity also supports trade, investment, and workforce mobility between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Business travel remains a key driver of air traffic between the two countries.
As regional travel continues to recover and grow, partnerships like this help stabilize and expand aviation networks. They also enhance traveler confidence by offering more choice and reliability.
A Strategic Step for Regional Aviation Growth
Riyadh Air’s partnership with Khimji’s Travel & Tourism represents more than a commercial agreement. It reflects a shared vision for stronger regional integration through aviation.
By improving Oman–Saudi air links, the collaboration supports tourism growth, economic diversification, and regional cooperation. It also positions Riyadh Air as an emerging force in the GCC aviation market.
As demand for intra-Gulf travel rises, such strategic alliances will shape the future of regional tourism and connectivity.
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