Brussels Airlines Halts Kinshasa Flights Amidst DRC Unrest: Update for Travel Agents
Brussels Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to and from Kinshasa, impacting travel plans for passengers heading to and from the Democratic Republic of Congo.Specifically, flight numbers SN 357 and SN 358 were cancelled, affecting both the outbound flight from Brussels scheduled for Wednesday and the return flight that was due back in Brussels on Thursday morning. The airline attributes these cancellations to the escalating tensions and “current events” in the Congolese capital, emphasizing that passenger safety remains their paramount concern.
The decision to halt operations follows a period of intense civil unrest in Kinshasa, where violent demonstrations have targeted various international embassies, including that of Belgium. These protests are in direct response to escalating conflict in eastern DRC, with a significant focus on the recent M23 rebel advances. This has created a volatile environment, leading Brussels Airlines to reassess the situation carefully before resuming flights. For travel agents this means that bookings to and from Kinshasa need to be rebooked or refunded, as the timing for the return of regular flight services is still unclear.
The unrest was ignited by the offensive launched by M23 rebels, which have reportedly entered Goma, a strategically vital city near the Rwandan border, and are understood to have now gained considerable control. The move by the rebel group is threatening to destabilize the entire region and raise concerns about the safety and security of international personnel and visitors. This situation adds to the complexity of travel planning and logistics, requiring travel agencies to be agile and proactive in their client management approach, providing up-to-date information and alternatives where applicable.
The scale and intensity of the protests in Kinshasa have also been widely reported, with images showing burning tires and debris littering the streets. The pictures of thick smoke demonstrate the deep unrest and frustration prevalent in the city as citizens respond to the developing conflict in eastern DRC. This volatile situation highlights the immediate necessity for travel agents to remain informed about the changing security circumstances and their potential impact on travel operations. Brussels Airlines is actively monitoring the situation and has confirmed that further announcements will be made as soon as the security situation in Kinshasa has been reassessed and it is safe to resume flights. This situation requires continuous monitoring from all agencies within the African travel trade.
