Oman targets Chinese visitors with first direct Muscat-Beijing flights

China Eastern Airlines will launch Beijing-Muscat flights from 30 November, marking the first-ever direct air link between Oman and China. 

 

The move, announced by Oman Airports in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) and the Chinese Embassy in Muscat, is part of the sultanate’s wider push to boost Chinese visitor numbers through targeted promotions and partnerships.

 

The twice-weekly service will operate on Sundays and Wednesdays using an Airbus A330-300 with 299 seats.

 

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Amri, CEO of Oman Airports, said the new link is expected to strengthen tourism and trade ties, offering greater convenience for visitors and business travellers from both countries.

 

The launch fits within Oman’s broader 2025 strategy to boost air connectivity and accelerate tourism growth, alongside other new routes introduced this year by Oman Air to European destinations such as Rome and Amsterdam.

 

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Oman’s MHT is prioritising China this year, expanding its presence through new offices and partnerships with more than 80 international travel companies.

 

Campaigns include joint promotions, participation in global tourism exhibitions and collaborations with regional and international airlines.

 

Targeted initiatives for the Chinese market feature familiarisation trips for travel agents, media and influencers, showcasing Oman’s unique heritage, desert landscapes, mountain oases and adventure tourism. One April 2025 Fam trip generated more than 12 million views on Chinese digital platforms.

 

Oman recorded 1.14 million international arrivals in the first half of 2025, up 9.2% year-on-year. The sultanate aims to build on this momentum to attract 10 million annual visitors by 2040, generating tourism revenues of US$15 billion.

 

For more information, visit ceair.com/en and mht.gov.om