The recent closure of DR Congo’s airspace to Rwandan-registered aircraft has triggered a ripple effect, not only in diplomatic tensions but also in significant business challenges for RwandAir.
The ban, stemming from political disagreements between Rwanda and DR Congo, has forced RwandAir to reroute flights, including its key route to London.
On Tuesday, Agence Congolaise de Presse reported, citing Congolese airport authorities, that an internal note was issued formally banning "overflight and landing on the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for all civil and state aircraft registered in Rwanda or those registered elsewhere based in Rwanda due to the insecurity caused by the armed conflict."
While the move may be seen as a political manoeuver, its practical consequences are stark for both the airline and its passengers.
RwandAir’s Kigali to London flight, once a direct route via DR Congo's airspace, is now encountering a detour of up to two hours.
Passengers have expressed frustration, with some likening their experience to being trapped. Ethiopian Airlines, flying over DR Congo’s airspace Thursday evening, had tense moments mid-air as air traffic control verified their status after originating from Kigali International Airport.
"I feel like one of those unfortunate Palestinian and Israeli hostages in the Middle East war they did not create," said Dr Sam Akaki, one of the many affected passengers.
RwandAir has stated it is exploring alternatives to minimize the impact on passengers. However, Fiona Mbabazi, the airline's corporate affairs manager, did not respond to inquiries on Friday about whether a solution had been found.
The detour not only increases fuel consumption but also drives up labor costs due to the extended flight times.
Reports have surfaced of some passengers considering alternative airlines, but an aviation expert in Kampala believes there is little reason to abandon loyalty.
"Cancellations may not be an option for the people who fly RwandAir—they find it more price-competitive and are accustomed to adversity," the expert said.
The expert dismissed concerns that the additional two-hour detour would deter passengers, suggesting that time loss could be mitigated by flying faster.
"Every airline has to fit into their allocated slot at the destination airport," he added.
The cost of rerouting an aircraft like the Airbus A330, typically used by RwandAir for long-haul flights, is estimated to add a staggering $72,354 daily in fuel.
Additionally, the airline incurs an extra $67,586 in labour costs each day, due to the increased flying hours and extended crew duty periods.
The major impact is on fuel consumption, which is higher when flying faster to minimise time loss.
Currently, flights to central and West Africa and Europe are rerouting through Uganda and South Sudan, before entering Central African Republic airspace.
Experts say the DR Congo airspace ban isn't just a direct issue for Rwanda-registered aircraft; it affects other airlines as well.
In response to the Kinshasa decision, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a Notice to Airmen, requiring flights to stay at least 200 nautical miles away from the entire length of the DR Congo-Rwanda-Uganda border at a minimum altitude of 25,000 feet to avoid accidental fire.
"So basically, all aircraft are rerouting," an expert said.
The complexity of this rerouting is compounded by the vast size of DR Congo’s airspace. The region, which is roughly the size of five national airspaces, serves as a crucial route for East African airlines flying to Europe.
Without it, airlines like RwandAir are forced to fly significantly longer distances, affecting both profitability and scheduling.
In addition to the increased costs, the logistical strain on the airline is substantial. RwandAir flights to London were recently forced to make an emergency refuelling stop at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda.
The unplanned stop added five hours to the flight, causing passengers to arrive eight and a half hours later than scheduled.
The delay left passengers exhausted, with some expressing frustration over the extended wait and longer crew duty periods.
Aviation experts warn that the added operational costs associated with bypassing DR Congo will not only strain RwandAir’s finances but could also impact ticket sales.
Passengers, already facing longer flight times and higher ticket prices due to the rerouting, may reconsider their travel plans, especially as alternatives emerge.
The extended flight durations could prompt many to seek flights with more direct routes, whether through other airlines or connecting flights that avoid DR Congo’s airspace.
The ongoing disruption threatens RwandAir’s European routes, which are vital for the airline's profitability, particularly for business travellers who rely on timely and direct flights.
The airspace closure has broader implications, impacting RwandAir's services to Central and West Africa. These routes, essential for regional connectivity, have also been significantly disrupted, forcing the airline to reroute these flights and further increase operational complexity.
RwandAir's struggles are reminiscent of Qatar Airways' experience during the 2017 political blockade. Qatar Airways, banned from flying through the airspace of several neighbouring countries, was forced to take longer, more expensive routes.
The airline, which operates exclusively on international routes, faced severe financial strain for years, posting consecutive losses due to the blockade.
Like RwandAir, Qatar Airways faced higher fuel costs, increased operational challenges, and strain on passenger satisfaction due to delays and rerouted flights.
Qatar Airways’ situation was exacerbated by fleet capacity limitations and the impact of the pandemic. However, when the blockade was lifted in 2021, the airline regained its more efficient flight routes, boosting revenue and returning to profitability.
RwandAir may experience a similar relief once the political situation with DR Congo is resolved, allowing it to return to more direct and cost-effective flight paths.
The broader implications of the DR Congo airspace ban are concerning, not just for RwandAir but for the regional aviation industry as a whole.
Increased operational costs could lead to higher ticket prices, making East African routes less competitive compared to other international flights.
Moreover, the uncertainty surrounding DR Congo’s airspace policy could deter potential investors in RwandAir, hindering the airline's growth prospects.
Experts point out that abrupt airspace closures disrupt not only airlines but also global air traffic, raising concerns about safety and operational efficiency.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have emphasized that airspace closures should be handled diplomatically, with structures in place to minimize negative impacts on global air traffic.
For now, passengers flying from Kigali to London and other European destinations must contend with longer flight times, potential delays, and higher costs.
RwandAir continues to seek efficient alternatives, but the financial and operational toll remains significant.
Like Qatar Airways, it may take years before the full financial consequences of the airspace ban are understood.