Kinasha to Brussels:

The New Air Route for DRC

Air connectivity between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the rest of the world is about to take a significant step forward. Air Congo has announced the launch of a direct Kinshasa-Brussels route from July 1, 2026, operating five weekly flights aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It marks the young carrier's first long-haul service and won't be the last.

According to Air Congo CEO Mesfin Biru, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Dubai International are also firmly in the airline's sights. The Dubai route is particularly noteworthy from a trade perspective. The emirate has long been a major sourcing hub for Congolese merchants, with electronics, appliances, clothing, furniture and vehicles all flowing from Dubai to the DRC in significant volumes. A direct connection would significantly reduce transit times and costs for importers who currently rely on connecting flights through Addis Ababa, Nairobi or Entebbe.

The expansion is made possible through Air Congo's partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which holds a 49% stake in the carrier. Two Boeing 787-8 aircraft are being made available under an ACMI wet lease arrangement This provides Air Congo with the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance needed to operate in European airspace, where Congolese-certified airlines remain on the EU's aviation safety blacklist. It's a pragmatic solution that gives the DRC access to international markets while the country continues strengthening its civil aviation oversight framework.

For businesses moving goods to the DRC, improved air links are welcome news. But great connections only deliver results when shipments are properly documented. That's why we're pleased to announce that we now offer air freight certificates for goods destined for the DRC, helping ensure your cargo arrives without delays.

Back