Saturday, June 28, 2025

Qatar Airways has officially resumed its direct flights to Kigali, Rwanda, after a three-year hiatus, re-establishing crucial air connectivity between the UK and Rwanda. The Doha-based carrier restarted the service on June 25, 2025, with four weekly flights between Doha and Kigali, offering greater travel opportunities for passengers between East Africa and key global destinations. This resumption not only strengthens Qatar Airways’ presence in Africa but also enhances Rwanda’s position as a growing hub for tourism and business, providing UK travelers with seamless connections to Rwanda and the broader African continent.

After more than three years, Qatar Airways (QR) has officially resumed flights to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, marking a key milestone in the airline’s strategy to enhance its footprint across Africa and bolster global connectivity. The Doha-based carrier restarted services to Kigali on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The last time Qatar Airways operated between Doha (DOH) and Kigali was in December 2021, when the route was temporarily suspended due to operational challenges, including travel restrictions that arose from the global pandemic. Now, as international air travel recovers, Qatar Airways has re-established this essential link, providing greater convenience for travelers heading to Rwanda and the surrounding region.

The service will operate four times a week, with flights scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The frequency of this route ensures that passengers traveling to and from Rwanda can take advantage of flexible options, whether for business, tourism, or trade. Qatar Airways has chosen the Airbus A320 to operate this route, known for its efficiency and comfort, especially for short to medium-haul flights. The A320 features 12 flat-bed Business Class seats and 120 Economy Class seats, giving travelers a variety of choices that suit different needs and preferences.

The flight schedule is as follows:

The A320 aircraft, equipped with modern amenities, ensures a high level of comfort on board. With Qatar Airways’ renowned service standards, passengers will be able to enjoy premium experiences across both classes. The Business Class features lie-flat seats, which allow for better rest on longer journeys, while Economy Class offers a more affordable yet comfortable option with ample legroom.

The resumption of flights to Kigali plays a pivotal role in Qatar Airways’ overarching strategy to expand and enhance its network across Africa. In recent years, the airline has been focusing on increasing its presence on the continent, recognizing the growing demand for international connectivity. The Kigali route, in particular, opens up new travel options for both Rwandan passengers and visitors from around the world, providing easier access to major hubs in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Qatar Airways’ commitment to Africa is also reflected in its broader expansion efforts across the continent. The airline serves more than 170 destinations globally, and its African network is a key part of its strategy. Kigali’s location in East Africa makes it a strategic hub for Qatar Airways, allowing the airline to better connect passengers traveling to and from the region.

Moreover, this resumption serves to strengthen Rwanda’s position as a key destination for both tourism and business. Rwanda has become one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Africa, attracting travelers who are keen on exploring the country’s remarkable wildlife, including the famous mountain gorillas. The renewed flights to Kigali will offer tourists a more seamless travel experience, with convenient connections through Doha to cities like London (LON), New York (NYC), and even further destinations in Asia and the Middle East. The convenience of direct flights and greater access to global destinations will significantly boost Rwanda’s tourism industry.

The Kigali service is also a part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing strategy to provide more connectivity between Africa and the rest of the world. Over the past year, Qatar Airways has optimized its operations in various African markets, increasing flight frequencies and enhancing its network to key destinations. By offering flights to important cities such as Brussels (BRU), Guangzhou (CAN), London (LON), New York (NYC), and Washington (IAD) via Doha, Qatar Airways continues to enhance travel options and shorten travel times for passengers across the continent.

The UK is a key market for Qatar Airways, and the airline has been increasing its capacity and connectivity to London, which is one of its major European hubs. The resumption of flights to Kigali will complement Qatar Airways’ existing services to the UK, offering an even more extensive network of connections for travelers between East Africa, the UK, and other regions. London is one of the most important destinations on Qatar Airways’ global network, and the increased connectivity to Kigali will benefit passengers seeking travel options to Rwanda and surrounding countries from the UK and vice versa.

Qatar Airways’ return to Kigali is not only significant for the airline but also for Rwanda’s economic growth. In addition to facilitating tourism, the resumed service will enhance trade and business links between Rwanda and the global market. Rwanda is known for its vibrant economy, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a growing tech industry. By providing easier air access, Qatar Airways will help to further boost these sectors, enabling businesses in Rwanda to more efficiently connect with international partners.

The country’s forward-looking policies and its position as a regional trade and investment hub make it an attractive destination for foreign companies, and the enhanced connectivity provided by Qatar Airways will be a vital tool in fostering these opportunities.

Qatar Airways has resumed direct flights to Kigali, reconnecting the UK and Rwanda after a three-year hiatus. This return expands travel opportunities and strengthens global connectivity for both nations.

In conclusion, the return of Qatar Airways to Kigali is a pivotal development for both the airline and Rwanda. It strengthens Qatar Airways’ position as a leader in global aviation while offering Rwanda enhanced connectivity to a vast international network. Operating four weekly flights between Doha and Kigali, Qatar Airways is now a key player in enhancing trade, tourism, and business links between Rwanda, Africa, and global markets. As Rwanda continues to grow as a dynamic business hub and a key tourist destination, Qatar Airways is poised to be a crucial partner in the country’s continued success.

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