NAIROBI, Kenya—RwandAir is planning to expand its long-haul network into Europe and the Far East as it adds widebody aircraft and targets a doubling of its fleet over the next five years.
The airline received an Airbus A330-200 in August and expects four more aircraft of the same type by year-end, increasing capacity for long-haul services and Rwanda’s regional aviation hub ambitions.
Acting chief commercial officer Reuben Mbonye told Aviation Week on the sidelines of Aviation Africa 2026 that new destinations would be announced later, with Europe and the Far East central to the carrier’s growth strategy.
“We are looking to expand in Europe and the Far East. We have big plans in that direction,” he said.
The expansion comes amid financial pressure from rising operating costs, particularly fuel prices linked to the Iran war. Mbonye said the airline had revised fares to absorb the increases while maintaining operations.
“We were incurring a lot, especially on fuel, so fares had to be revised in order to accommodate all these changes,” he said.
Mbonye also called for stronger political commitment to the Single African Air Transport Market, arguing that implementation of the framework could improve connectivity and reduce the cost of flying across Africa.
“The framework is already in place,” he said. “What it requires is the willingness of different stakeholders to actually adopt it.”
He said high taxes and operating expenses continue to constrain African airlines, with costs passed on to passengers. Greater cooperation between governments and carriers could improve market access, strengthen partnerships and make operations more efficient, he added.
Mbonye suggested that countries could benefit from closer collaboration among airlines rather than relying solely on the creation of new national carriers.
RwandAir is also considering an expansion of its cargo business, with Europe identified as a potential growth market. The airline currently operates a Boeing B737 freighter and sees opportunities to add aircraft and routes.
Mbonye said the airline’s long-term priority is to “strengthen African connectivity” and make air travel more affordable, moving it beyond its current status as a luxury for many passengers.
The airline’s growth plans are closely tied to the development of Bugesera International Airport, which Mbonye said “remains on track.”
The $2 billion project is being developed in partnership with Qatar Airways, which holds a 60% stake and plays a major role in funding and development.
The first phase is expected to be completed in 2028, with capacity for 7 million passengers annually. A final phase, planned for around 2032, is expected to increase capacity to 14 million passengers.
The new airport is expected to provide the infrastructure needed to support RwandAir’s expanding fleet, long-haul services and regional connectivity.
