RwandaAir Reopens Mombasa Route, Powering New Regional Tourism Links for Kenya

RwandaAir’s return to Mombasa after a six-year pause is injecting fresh momentum into East Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape, with Kenya positioning itself as a top beneficiary of this renewed air bridge. The resumption of direct flights is hailed by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) as a landmark step in the country’s campaign to drive up tourist arrivals from high-potential regional markets, particularly Rwanda.

The new service, now operating four times weekly, reestablishes a vital link between Kigali and Kenya’s coastal hub, opening up seamless access for travellers in search of beaches, cultural experiences, and adventure. According to KTB Chief Executive Officer, June Chepkemei, this restored connection is instrumental in supporting the board’s ambitious target of achieving an 18% increase in Rwandan arrivals this year. “Opening new air routes like this is vital for boosting tourism from high-potential regional markets, including Rwanda,” Chepkemei emphasized, reflecting the strategic importance of regional connectivity for Kenya’s inbound tourism strategy.

Last year, Kenya welcomed 957,750 tourists from Africa, with arrivals from Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda making up a substantial share of this figure. Specifically, Rwanda accounted for 65,866 arrivals, a number expected to rise as air access improves and marketing efforts intensify. The increased frequency and reliability of flights are expected to entice more Rwandan visitors to explore Mombasa and its surrounding coastal attractions, supporting Kenya’s broader economic and tourism growth objectives.

The move by RwandaAir dovetails with a wider surge in international air links to Kenya, as the country’s aviation sector sees expanded services from carriers such as Air Dubai, Air Angola, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. These additions are strengthening Kenya’s standing as a regional aviation and tourism hub, offering travellers more choice, greater flexibility, and improved connections to both African and global destinations. For the African travel sector, these developments signal a new era of cross-border mobility and integrated tourism marketing, with Kenya at the forefront of innovation and partnership.

For Kenya’s tourism industry professionals, the enhanced air access means new opportunities to develop tailored coastal packages, multi-destination itineraries, and cross-border collaborations. The resurgence of direct flights from Rwanda supports KTB’s wider efforts to expand inbound tourism while deepening trade and cultural ties within the East African Community. With Mombasa’s rich blend of sun, sand, heritage, and hospitality, the city is well placed to capture a growing share of the regional leisure and business travel market.

KTB has praised the Government of Kenya for its commitment to liberalising the country’s airspace, making strategic investments to attract more airlines and open up new routes. This government support is seen as pivotal in sustaining the momentum of tourism growth and ensuring that Kenya remains competitive as other regional destinations intensify their own tourism promotion campaigns.

As the new RwandaAir flights gain traction, industry stakeholders are encouraged to leverage the improved connectivity to create innovative travel products, enhance distribution channels, and strengthen marketing partnerships targeting regional source markets. The expectation is that Mombasa, and Kenya as a whole, will benefit from a measurable uptick in arrivals, particularly from Rwanda, driving growth across accommodation, transport, excursions, and related services.

This boost in regional connectivity is more than just a win for Kenya; it is a catalyst for broader economic integration and tourism development across East Africa. As airlines expand their networks and governments collaborate on open skies and streamlined travel, the entire region stands to gain from increased visitor flows, new investment, and a stronger global profile. For Africa’s travel professionals, the RwandaAir–Mombasa route revival offers a timely reminder of how strategic air links can unlock new business, build bridges between cultures, and power sustainable tourism growth for years to come.