RwandAir resumes Mombasa flights, launches Kigali–Zanzibar route after six years
RwandAir has resumed Mombasa flights and launched a Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa route after six years, strengthening regional connectivity and supporting tourism and trade across East Africa’s coastal and regional markets.
Regional travel in East Africa has received a major boost after RwandAir resumed its Mombasa operations and launched a new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa service, reopening a route that had been inactive for six years.
The airline’s first flight back to the coastal city landed on Monday afternoon, where it was welcomed by local aviation officials and industry stakeholders.
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The resumption is part of a broader strategy to enhance cross-border connectivity and stimulate tourism and trade within the region.
RwandAir’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fouad Caunhye, said the comeback reflects the carrier’s renewed confidence in the Mombasa market and its commitment to strengthening inter-country connectivity. He noted that the airline would initially operate four flights a week, with plans to increase frequency based on demand.
“We look forward to increasing frequencies to daily flights. As you know, operations were interrupted in 2019 because of the COVID-19 disruptions, but we are pleased to return,” he said.
Caunhye added that the triangular route through Zanzibar is designed not only as a commercial decision but also to revive long-standing relationships across the three destinations. “This is about reconnecting with our friends and partners, and enabling more movement of people, business and visitors,” he stated.
Kenya Airports Authority Chairperson, Caleb Kositany, welcomed the restoration of flights, saying it supports the government’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernise airports nationwide. He described the airline’s return as a positive endorsement of Mombasa’s growing aviation capacity.
“We are grateful to RwandAir for coming back. It affirms Mombasa International Airport’s position and potential within the region,” he said, adding that the authority will continue upgrading infrastructure to match rising traffic.
Kenya Coast Tourism Association Chairperson, Victor Shitaka, said the reinstated flights are expected to benefit the coastal tourism sector, which relies heavily on improved access from regional markets.
“This is exactly the kind of connectivity we have been waiting for. Having RwandAir back is a significant boost and will certainly bring in more visitors,” he said.
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