Rwanda’s flag carrier RwandAir has been forced to reroute many of its scheduled flights, as a result of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) placing an airspace ban on Rwandan-registered aircraft.
DRC BANNING IMPACTS RWANDAIR FLIGHTS
Passengers on some of Rwandair’s scheduled flights can expect changes to flight durations due to a ban on the airline’s aircraft from using DRC airspace.
“Due to the closure of DR Congo airspace to Rwandan-registered aircraft, RwandAir has rerouted affected flight paths. We are working to provide the safest and most efficient alternatives while minimising inconvenience to our passengers,” RwandAir said.
ACCUSATIONS OF REBEL SUPPORT
The ban on RwandAir flights results from Rwanda’s alleged involvement in the conflict in Goma, in the eastern DRC.
Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels in the ongoing conflict in the DRC.
The DRC accuses Rwanda of providing military aid to the group. However, Rwanda denies providing weapons and personnel to the rebel group.
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GOMA AIRPORT CLOSED
Goma Airport, located in the country’s North Kivu Province has been closed and will stay shut until May.
On February 11, the DRC’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) stating that owing to the ongoing conflict Goma International Airport will remain shut until 11 May 2025.
Airlines operating scheduled services to Goma have thus suspended their services, as the conflict does not allow for safe operations.
Ethiopian Airlines, Jambojet and Astral Aviation which flew into Goma have since suspended their operations.
Furthermore, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) issued a NOTAM warning air operators to avoid the airspace within 200 nautical miles of the DRC’s eastern border.
Ch Aviation states that the advisory includes avoiding the area near Goma International Airport below 25,000 feet above ground level, due to the potential risks from anti-aircraft weaponry.
The restriction also applies to the area located along the eastern border of the DRC. This includes areas near Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.
