(Posted 14th February 2025)
In a move seen as retaliation against Rwanda has the government in Kinshasa closed the entire airspace for RwandAir and other Rwanda registered aircraft, halting overflights with immediate effect.
The government cited security concerns over the armed conflict in Eastern Congo for which Kinshasa holds Rwanda directly responsible. While no official figures are available have reportedly over 1.000 people been killed in Goma alone, during and after the fighting for the city between M23 rebels and both Congoles Army and AU peacekeeping forces, including South African and other nationalities peacekeepers.
The move will inflict significant cost increases on the Rwandan airline as they will have to fly around the extensive territory of Congo DR for their flights to West Africa, costing dearly for fuel and flying time to and from those destinations.
