RwandAir Resumes Direct Flights to Mombasa – Major Boost for Kenya & Rwanda Tourism, Trade, and Regional Connectivity!

Published on December 3, 2025

RwandAir has officially resumed its direct flights between Kigali and Mombasa, Kenya, marking the airline’s return to the coastal city after a hiatus of six years. The route, which was last operated in 2019, was reinstituted with a special celebration at Moi International Airport (MIA). This important milestone not only strengthens regional connectivity but also provides a significant boost to tourism and trade across East Africa. The restoration of this route signifies a growing commitment to enhance transportation links within the region and improve economic relations.

The Importance of the Resumed Route

The relaunch of direct flights between Kigali and Mombasa is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the movement of people and goods between Kenya and Rwanda. This new service offers greater convenience for Rwandan travelers, who will now have direct access to Mombasa’s renowned coastal destinations. The introduction of four weekly flights — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — is expected to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

According to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei, the new service will help grow the tourism sector in Kenya, particularly in the East African market. With an emphasis on Rwanda, where a significant number of tourists are expected to travel, the Kenya Tourism Board is targeting an 18% increase in Rwandan visitors in the upcoming year. Chepkemei highlighted the significance of direct air routes in enhancing tourism from high-potential regional markets, including Rwanda, which previously saw around 957,750 tourists from Africa last year.

Increased Regional Connectivity

RwandAir’s return to Mombasa strengthens the growing aviation network within East Africa. The airline’s service provides seamless access for Rwandan travelers to Mombasa’s beaches, cultural attractions, and adventure tourism offerings. This increased connectivity is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to boost inbound tourism and nurture regional aviation partnerships.

Mombasa, a major port city in Kenya, is famous for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. It serves as an essential hub for tourism and trade in the region. With the reintroduction of direct flights from Kigali, travelers from Rwanda can now access the city’s attractions without the need for connecting flights or long travel times, making the region even more accessible.

Strategic Investment in Kenya’s Skies

The Kenyan government has long supported efforts to open up the nation’s airspace to more international airlines and direct flight routes. This policy has been crucial in stimulating the country’s tourism sector and bolstering its regional aviation position. In recent years, Kenya has welcomed new international routes from airlines such as Air Dubai and Air Angola, while existing carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines, have expanded their services to the region. RwandAir’s return to Mombasa is a key part of this strategy and aligns with Kenya’s goal to solidify its role as a regional aviation and tourism hub.

The announcement of the new Mombasa route is expected to lead to further regional collaborations and partnerships. The Kenyan government’s ongoing support for open skies policies will likely encourage additional international airlines to introduce more services to the region. This will benefit not only tourism but also trade, as businesses will gain improved access to various East African markets.

Celebrating the Relaunch

The announcement of the direct flight service was met with enthusiasm, particularly from stakeholders in the tourism and aviation industries. During the celebration at Moi International Airport, the positive economic impact of the new route was emphasized. Mombasa’s tourism officials and business leaders expressed optimism that the direct flights would lead to an increase in both leisure and business tourism.

The strategic importance of this route is also seen in the efforts to diversify tourism offerings in Kenya, a country that has long been popular for safaris but is now looking to further develop its coastal and cultural tourism sectors. The availability of more frequent and direct flights is expected to create new opportunities for travelers seeking a wider range of experiences.

RwandAir’s Regional Role

RwandAir’s services within East Africa have grown significantly over the years, and the airline now plays an important role in regional transportation. The airline’s fleet expansion, coupled with its commitment to improving connectivity within East Africa, has allowed it to establish a strong presence in the region.

RwandAir’s return to Mombasa represents more than just the reopening of a route; it reflects the airline’s dedication to expanding its network and enhancing the travel experience for passengers in the region. The airline’s emphasis on convenience, safety, and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success in a competitive market. This service is expected to provide a much-needed boost to regional tourism and trade, particularly between Rwanda and Kenya.

Future Prospects and Growth

The renewed service between Kigali and Mombasa is part of a broader trend in East Africa, where airlines are working to improve regional connectivity and expand their networks. As part of Kenya’s broader economic strategy, this route is expected to contribute to the long-term growth of the tourism and aviation industries. Given the positive response from both travelers and industry professionals, there is significant potential for additional routes and increased frequency on existing services.

RwandAir’s expansion into Mombasa could open doors for further growth in the future. As demand for travel between East African nations continues to rise, additional direct flights could be added to cater to business travelers, tourists, and regional visitors.

Conclusion

RwandAir’s return to Mombasa after a six-year hiatus is a significant step forward in enhancing regional connectivity in East Africa. The resumption of this direct flight service marks a key moment for Kenya and Rwanda, offering more opportunities for tourists, businesses, and communities to connect. With the backing of the Kenyan government’s pro-tourism policies, this route is expected to contribute to the growth of both tourism and trade across the region.

By resuming direct flights to Mombasa, RwandAir strengthens Kenya’s position as a regional hub while fostering closer ties between the countries of East Africa. This marks an exciting development for both nations and sets the stage for even greater collaboration in the future.