In February 2025, the DRC banned Rwandan flights from using its airspace or landing on its territory, citing national security concerns.
The move followed escalating tensions between the two countries, triggered by ongoing conflict between the DRC army and the M23 rebel group, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Makolo expressed regret that political issues had interfered with aviation services.
'We had to suspend some routes like Brazzaville, Abuja and Cotonou because the flight had become a bit long,' she noted.
However, Makolo explained that RwandAir is now focusing on expanding its network in Eastern and Southern Africa.
'We are putting that capacity on eastern and southern African routes and adding frequencies where possible,' she said.
'We're looking at opening new routes. I think more immediately, the first ones coming are Mombasa and Zanzibar. Until the issue is resolved, we'll focus more on the eastern and southern sides of the continent,' added Makolo.
Since late 2016, RwandAir had expressed interest in launching direct flights to New York, USA. The route was initially expected to begin by 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to delays and a shift in strategic priorities.
Makolo confirmed that the New York route is no longer an immediate priority for the airline.
However, she noted that RwandAir connects passengers to five U.S. cities via Doha, through its codeshare partnership with Qatar Airways.
IGIHE
