Oman Air to Officially Join Oneworld Alliance
ID 56850565 | Oman Air © Typhoonski | Dreamstime.com
Oman Air is finally set to become the newest member of the Oneworld airline alliance, with an official entry date of June 30, 2025. The announcement brings a close to a multi-year process that began in 2021, when the Muscat-based airline first revealed its intention to join the alliance.
Three-Year Process Nearing Completion
The journey to Oneworld membership has been lengthy. Oman Air’s alliance ambitions were first publicly confirmed in 2021 with backing from Qatar Airways. Qatar, which is already a major Oneworld member and had its then-CEO serving as chairman of the alliance, played a pivotal role in endorsing Oman Air’s application.
A formal announcement came in 2022, with expectations that the airline would integrate into the alliance by 2024. However, due to internal restructuring and leadership changes at Oman Air, the timeline slipped. The carrier has also been reducing its fleet size and route network, including the retirement of its Airbus A330s, which once formed the backbone of its long-haul operations.
Despite the delays, the alliance is now preparing to welcome its latest member by the end of next month.
What Oman Air Brings to Oneworld
Oman Air will be the first Gulf carrier to join Oneworld since Qatar Airways. While considerably smaller than regional giants like Emirates or Etihad, Oman Air is known for its boutique service style and premium cabin offerings. The airline operates a modest fleet of about 30 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and 787s, with service extending from the UK in the west to Southeast Asia in the east.
Its Apex Suite-configured Business Class is regarded as one of the best in the sky. Though the airline previously offered First Class, that has now been phased out, with the cabins repurposed into “Business Studio” branding.
As part of Oneworld, customers will gain the ability to earn and redeem miles across a broader network, and elite status members will gain lounge access, priority services, and recognition on all member airlines.
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Implications for Muscat Hub and Lounges
With the airline’s integration into Oneworld, the attention now turns to Muscat International Airport. Oman Air previously operated a well-regarded First Class lounge, which has since been shuttered due to the elimination of First Class. While the future of that facility remains uncertain, it raises the question of whether Oman Air might repurpose or reopen the lounge as a premium facility for Oneworld Emerald members.
Oman Air already partners with select carriers including Alaska Airlines, Qantas, and Air Canada, with redemptions available through Mileage Plan, Qantas Frequent Flyer, and Aeroplan. Those partnerships will likely be expanded once the airline formally joins the alliance.
Why Oneworld, Not Star Alliance?
Oman Air’s decision to join Oneworld rather than Star Alliance raised some eyebrows. The Middle East is largely unrepresented in Star Alliance, save for EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines. Oneworld, meanwhile, already has a strong Gulf presence through Qatar Airways.
However, Oman Air and Qatar Airways appear to view each other more as partners than competitors. Qatar is even currently leasing aircraft from Oman Air. This strategic relationship likely played a central role in the decision to join Oneworld rather than seek out Star Alliance, where it may have stood alone in the region.
Bottom Line
Oman Air will become the newest member of the Oneworld alliance on June 30, 2025. The move has been years in the making and follows a significant restructuring of the airline’s operations and fleet. For loyal Oneworld travelers, Oman Air’s inclusion opens up new options in the Gulf region with one of the most respected boutique carriers.
