RwandAir has officially resumed its Mombasa flights, marking its return to the coastal city after a six-year break.
The airline has also unveiled a new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa route, a strategic move aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and boosting tourism across East Africa.
The inaugural flight touched down on Monday afternoon, to a warm reception from aviation stakeholders in Mombasa.
Speaking during the launch, RwandAir Chief Commercial Officer Fouad Caunhye said the resumption signals renewed confidence in the coastal market and the airline’s commitment to reconnecting the region.
“For a start, we will be operating four flights weekly, but we are optimistic about the future and look forward to having daily flights. As you are aware, we had a small hitch in 2019 that forced us to stop our flights due to COVID-19, but we are now back,” the CEO noted.
He added that the new triangular route is more than a business decision, it is about restoring relationships.
"We are not just reopening our route but reconnecting with our friends and colleagues,” he said, expressing hope that the service will enhance trade, tourism and people-to-people ties between Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Kenya Airports Authority Chairman Caleb Kositany welcomed the move, noting that it aligns with ongoing government efforts to modernise airports across the country. He said the return of RwandAir is a strong vote of confidence in Mombasa’s aviation potential.
“We appreciate the move by RwandAir to come back, this cements the fact that Mombasa Airport is truly an international airport,” Kositany stated, adding that the authority will continue investing in facilities to support growing regional traffic.
On his part, Kenya Coast Tourism Association Chairman Victor Shitaka said the development is a major boost to the local tourism sector, noting that increased regional connectivity will translate into higher visitor numbers.
“This is exactly what we have been looking for. It is fantastic to have RwandAir back here ,it is a big boost to our tourism industry and it will certainly add numbers,” Shitaka said.
