Starting December 1st, RwandAir’s colorful livery will become a frequent sight on the tarmacs of Mombasa and Zanzibar. This commercial offensive confirms the vitality of the Rwandan carrier, which is determined to transform Kigali into an essential crossroads between the hinterland and the Indian Ocean.
Strengthening the Regional Network
For RwandAir’s management, December 2025 marks a symbolic milestone. By returning to Mombasa—a destination unserved by the airline since 2019—and inaugurating its first-ever route to Zanzibar, the airline is surgically densifying its network. It now boasts a solid portfolio of three stops in Tanzania and two in Kenya.
The choice of the Boeing 737 for these routes provides a versatile aircraft capable of absorbing both business clientele, drawn by Mombasa’s port-driven economic dynamism, and international tourists transiting through Kigali toward Tanzanian beaches.
Flight Schedule (4 Rotations Weekly)
Operations will maintain a steady pace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, following a schedule optimized for seamless transit:
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Outbound (Flight WB 444): Departs Kigali at 09:50, reaches Zanzibar at 12:50, and arrives in Mombasa at 14:35 after a brief technical stop.
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Inbound (Flight WB 445): Departs Mombasa at 17:10, transits through Zanzibar (18:05), and touches down in Kigali at 20:00.
Expert Insight: This timing allows passengers arriving from Europe or other African regions to make smooth connections in Kigali in the morning, while ensuring an evening return for regional travelers.
A Stake in Logistic Sovereignty
For industry analysts, this expansion is about more than just tourism. Mombasa is the regional logistics powerhouse. By re-establishing a direct air bridge with this port city, Rwanda is facilitating the mobility of its economic operators and strengthening ties with the primary gateway for goods along the Northern Corridor.
As competition with Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania intensifies, Kigali is betting on regularity and connectivity. This launch, scheduled in less than three weeks, will be closely monitored by all stakeholders in the regional supply chain.
