RwandAir has marked a major milestone in its regional expansion strategy with the launch of flights to Zanzibar and the resumption of services to Mombasa, strengthening its footprint along East Africa’s coastline.
The inaugural flights departed Kigali International Airport aboard a Boeing B737-800NG, with the airline celebrating the moment as “a milestone for intra-Africa travel” and an opportunity to open up “more beaches, more beauty, more East Africa.”
The aircraft’s arrival in Zanzibar was met with a traditional water-salute at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, symbolizing the opening of a new chapter in RwandAir’s network.
Zanzibar becomes one of the airline’s newest destinations, while the return to Mombasa revives a popular route last served in 2019. Together, the two additions position Rwanda to operate three routes in Tanzania and two in Kenya, significantly enhancing connectivity across the region.
RwandAir’s expansion comes at a time of rising demand for both passenger and cargo movement within East Africa. The carrier is simultaneously growing its fleet, now at 16 aircraft, with plans to reach 21 by 2029 as part of Rwanda’s broader Transport Sector Strategic Plan.
During the 2025 Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali, CEO Yvonne Makolo highlighted this trend, noting that the airline expects roughly 1.2 million passengers in the 2025/2026 financial year, up from just over one million the previous year.
Makolo recently underscored the strategic importance of the Zanzibar and Mombasa routes.
“Returning to Mombasa and launching flights to Zanzibar is another milestone in our growth journey… Expanding our reach in East Africa helps further position Kigali as a key hub, gives our customers more opportunities to explore the region, and opens new doors for trade, tourism, and stronger integration within East Africa,” she said
The airline will operate the Zanzibar–Mombasa loop four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, reflecting its intent to make regional travel more accessible and efficient.
As RwandAir grows its destination list from 23 in 2023/24 to a projected 29 by 2028/29, the new coastal services reinforce its ambition to position Kigali as a central aviation gateway in East Africa.
