RwandAir
airline after touches down at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa on Monday /CHARLES MGHENYI
On
Monday morning, RwandAir touched down in Mombasa at 2.30 pm for the first time
since 2019, receiving a warm reception from government officials, tourism stakeholders,
aviation authorities and airport officials.
Speaking
moments after landing, RwandAir chief commercial officer Fouad Caunhye
expressed the airline’s excitement to reconnect with the Kenyan coast.
“I
can only talk about our extreme pleasure to be back in Mombasa. As you know, we
stopped in 2019 after the Covid-19 outbreak, and we are so happy to return to
this magical part of Kenya,” he said.
Caunhye
said that the inaugural flight had a strong start, carrying 110 passengers, a
turnout he described as a promising indicator of the route’s potential.
He
added that the Mombasa–Zanzibar circuit, which allows the aircraft to operate a
turnaround between the two destinations, will further strengthen RwandAir’s
East African network.
“This
is part of reinforcing East African connectivity, ensuring that we remain a
sought-after player in the aviation market in this region,” he said.
Looking
ahead, Caunhye said the airline expects significant growth on the route.
“We
start with four flights a week, but we’re very optimistic about the future —
and why not aim for daily flights at some point?”
Kenya
Airports Authority chairman Caleb Kositany welcomed the airline’s return,
saying it reaffirms Mombasa’s position as a key international gateway.
“We
are pleased to welcome yet another direct flight to Mombasa, which emphasises
that this is indeed an international airport. Mombasa is a tourism destination,
and every additional connection enhances our capacity, boosts tourism numbers
and strengthens Kenya’s aviation profile.”
Kositany
also highlighted the partnership benefits, noting that while RwandAir carries
the passengers, Kenya Airways provides ground handling services.
“Kenya
Airways is not losing; they are gaining through ground handling and increased
opportunities for connections within Africa and beyond,” he said.
Kenya’s
High Commissioner to Rwanda, Ambassador Janet Oben, who travelled aboard the
inaugural flight, said the restored connection is vital for the country.
“We
have been looking forward to having a direct route to Mombasa because it is one
of our biggest tourist destinations. This will increase tourism and trade.”
Coastal
tourism stakeholders have also welcomed the move, citing significant economic
benefits.
Victor
Shitaka, chairman of the Kenya Coast Tourism Association and board member of
the Kenya Tourism Board, described the return as a major win for regional
travel.
“This
is fantastic for us. The cost of travel between Mombasa and Rwanda has dropped
by almost 50 per cent. Just as we did with Uganda through our successful
exchange programme, we now look forward to doing the same with Rwanda.”
He
added that the new route will boost visitor numbers and strengthen tourism and
cultural exchanges.
“We
have been asking for this connection for some time, and we truly appreciate
everyone who made it possible. This is excellent news for Coast tourism.”
Instant analysis
RwandAir’s
return to Mombasa after six years signals renewed confidence in Kenya’s coastal
tourism market and growing regional air connectivity. With four weekly flights
and a strong inaugural load of 110 passengers, the airline is positioning
Mombasa as a key link in its East African network.
