RwandAir is set to resume the Kigali-Gisenyi flights, almost a year after the national carrier suspended operations on the route to allow refurbishment of the airstrip.

The route was first launched in March 2009.
RwandAir also plans to launch flights between Kigali and Rubavu, which will become the airline’s second domestic destination.

The carrier will operate four weekly frequencies on every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday beginning June 2, 2011.

The domestic air travel scene is set for more connectivity for people travelling to Gisenyi and DR Congo, the airline says.

RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer, John Mirenge, told Business Times yesterday that Rubavu is a highly strategic domestic destination both for local and regional travellers.

"We planned for this destination on the basis of connectivity needs for travellers in that region. And we believe Rubavu flights will make a valuable contribution to our network,” Mirenge said.

He added that the twenty-minute flight makes a big difference for a traveller who otherwise has to spend half a day on the road.

Rubavu will become the third destination for RwandAir this year soon after Brazzaville –Republic of Congo and the more recently Libreville - Gabon.

The airline already operates daily flights to Kamembe southwest of Kigali with double daily flights every Tuesday and Saturday.

Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA)’s Director General, Richard Masozera told Business Times in a phone interview that a lot of work has been done on the Gisenyi airstrip.

"After a joint visit of both the RCAA and RwandAir senior staff, we decided the carrier’s operations should start. All the basics have been put in place for the national carrier to have safe flights,” Masozera explained.

Basic facilities including a proper runway, communication, weather facilities are in place, he said.

The Rubavu facility can only handle small aircrafts like the Dash8. The RCAA boss observed that the agency has spent over Rwf120 million in renovating the airport.

RwandAir will later this year take delivery of two Boeing 737-800 from Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The aircraft are the first to be fitted with the new Boeing "Sky Interior” in the continent.

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