Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026

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Brussels Airlines to Launch Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro in 2026 Brussels, Belgium – November 2025  Brussels Airlines has announced that it will launch direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania starting June 3, 2026, strengthening the connection between Europe and East Africa. The airline will operate two weekly flights, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using the Airbus A330-300 aircraft configured in three classes - Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The route will follow a triangular pattern: Brussels → Kilimanjaro → Nairobi → Brussels. About Brussels Airlines Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium and a member of the Lufthansa Group - one of Europe’s largest airline networks. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance, giving passengers global connectivity through code-sharing and coordinated routes with other major carriers. From its hub at Brussels Airport (BRU), the airline serves more than 80 destinations across Europe, A...
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RwandAir to Expand Fleet and Double Passenger Numbers by 2029

Kigali, Rwanda — RwandAir has unveiled ambitious growth plans under the government’s Transport Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029, aiming to expand its fleet from 14 to at least 21 aircraft and more than double its annual passenger traffic to 2.1 million by 2029.

The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Fouad Caunhye, told The New Times that the strategy will see the national carrier acquire additional Airbus A330s for long-haul routes, Boeing B737-800s for regional and medium-haul services, and De Havilland DHC-8-Q400s for shorter domestic flights.

Fleet Growth and Stabilisation

RwandAir is set to reinforce its fleet in 2025/26 with three new aircraft — two B737-800s and one A330-200 — as part of efforts to restore capacity after technical issues sidelined several jets. “These additions will give us the flexibility we need to pursue the route expansions that were previously put on hold,” Caunhye said. It is not yet clear whether these units will be purchased or leased.

Currently, the airline operates 14 aircraft, including three A330s (two -200s and one -300), six B737-800s, one B737-800 freighter, two CRJ900ERs, and two Q400s.

Caunhye acknowledged that recent capacity constraints caused operational disruptions. He stressed that the carrier’s short-term priority is to stabilise performance across its network, with the new aircraft expected to improve scheduling and reliability.

Expanding the Network

In parallel with fleet growth, RwandAir plans to grow its network from 23 destinations to 29 by 2028/29. New services to Mombasa (Kenya) and Zanzibar (Tanzania) are already scheduled, while frequencies to London Heathrow and Dubai International will be increased. The airline is also considering resuming flights to Guangzhou, China.

Kigali’s role as a regional hub is central to this vision, supported by a new airport currently under construction.

Strengthening Partnerships

Strategic partnerships remain a key pillar of RwandAir’s growth. The airline continues to expand cooperation with Qatar Airways and is in advanced talks with the Qatar Investment Authority over a potential equity stake. It is also developing codeshare agreements and loyalty programme integrations with other African carriers.

Government Commitment

According to the Strategic Plan, Rwanda aims to boost airport capacity from two million passengers annually to more than 8.2 million by 2029, while air freight volumes are projected to rise from 16,304 to 32,987 metric tonnes. Bilateral air service agreements and the development of high-capacity airports are being pursued to underpin this growth.

What’s Next

If successfully implemented, RwandAir’s expansion will not only strengthen its position as a regional player but also support Rwanda’s long-term goal of becoming a central aviation hub in Africa.

RwandAir Boeing737






Sources:

The New Times (Rwanda)

Rwanda Transport Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029

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