A recent study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), released on September 4 during the Aviation Africa Summit in Kigali, highlights the substantial economic and social impact of air transport on Rwanda. Dubbed "The Value of Air Transport to Rwanda" and covering the year 2023, the report reveals that tourism supported by aviation alone contributes an impressive $124.9 million (approximately Rwf179.8 billion) to Rwanda's GDP and provides employment for 29,000 people.

The study measures air transport's impact through various indicators, focusing on job creation and GDP contribution from the aviation sector, which includes airlines, airport operators, on-site businesses, air navigation service providers, and manufacturers. Directly, aviation in Rwanda employs at least 2,900 people, generating $8.9 million, which accounts for 0.1% of the total GDP. The broader impact extends further, with the wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities contributing a combined total of $160.1 million to GDP and supporting 42,000 jobs.

International tourists play a significant role, contributing an estimated $688 million annually to the Rwandan economy through their purchases of local goods and services. Beyond direct economic figures, aviation also delivers substantial social benefits, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It enhances access to education, fosters connections between friends and families, facilitates cultural exchange, and drives socio-economic development. These combined forces enable Rwanda to expand its productive potential, fostering long-term economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving living standards for its citizens.

Aviation is also crucial for developing dynamic and efficient supply chains and promoting the growth of e-commerce. In 2023, Rwandan airports handled 16,500 tonnes of air cargo, vital for the country's import and export volumes. A well-developed aviation network transforms communities by swiftly and safely connecting people, generating benefits for consumers and the wider economy. It enriches lives, enhances cultural diversity, and serves as an essential lifeline for remote areas, safeguarding access to healthcare, education, and employment.

In terms of passenger flows, international air traffic represented 95% of total origin-destination (O-D) departures from Rwanda in 2023, totaling 447,400 passenger departures. Africa remains the largest international market for passengers from Rwanda, accounting for almost 249,800 passengers (56% of the total). Europe followed with 92,800 (21%), and North America with 47,600 (11%). The top 10 most popular city destinations from Rwanda include Nairobi, Entebbe, Brussels, Johannesburg, Dubai, Lagos, Paris, Dar es Salaam, Bujumbura, and London.

Rwanda's international air connectivity index has seen remarkable growth since 2014, increasing by 23% within the Africa region and an impressive 326% with all other regions. The IATA report also noted that 66% of passengers arriving in Rwanda either concluded their journey at the point of entry or continued via a different mode of transport, while 34% of all international arrivals continued their journey to a destination in another country. Looking ahead, RwandAir plans to significantly expand its operations, aiming to more than double its passenger numbers from just over 1 million in 2023/24 to over 2.1 million by 2028/29, supported by an expanded fleet of at least 21 aircraft from its current 14.