The unique service offers passengers the convenience of dropping off their luggage at the airline’s offices located at Hôtel des Mille Collines before heading to board their flights at Kigali International Airport, situated on the outskirts of Kanombe, about 5 kilometers from the city center.

Brussels Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dorothea Von Boxberg attended the reopening of the city check-in section.

“We are very proud that we can offer this very good service again, which is to drop off luggage and check-in at the city office in the morning and spend the day not worrying about your luggage, then go to the airport and ensure the luggage is there,” the CEO stated.

Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea Von Boxberg makes her speech during the reopening ceremony.

To fulfill the airline’s commitment to offering convenience to its customers Ms.Von, Boxberg also announced that the airline would begin daily flights from Kigali starting in June.

“To further enhance convenience, we’re increasing service to daily flights from Kigali starting in June,” Von Boxberg announced.

Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda explained that the check-in service was halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in line with the government measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.

“We, as Brussels Airlines, care for our staff and passengers. We needed to comply with the regulations to keep the distance and stay healthy,” Natukunda explained.

Brussels Airlines Country Manager Audrey Natukunda makes her speech during the ceremony.

Following the reopening of the service, passengers will receive an email inviting them to check in luggage at Hôtel des Mille Collines before their flight.

Charles Habonimana, the Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company (RAC), lauded the service, saying it is particularly convenient for passengers who use motorbikes to beat traffic to the airport, as they do not need to struggle with their luggage. He encouraged other airlines to introduce similar services to increase customer satisfaction.

Charles Habonimana, the Managing Director of Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) converses with Brussels Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dorothea Von Boxberg during the event.

Versmessen Bert, the Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda, welcomed the resumption of the check-in service at the city center, terming it timely as the tourism sector continues to experience remarkable growth since the pandemic.

A report released by the Rwanda Development Board last month shows that the tourism sector recorded $650 million (RWF 832 billion) in revenues last year, representing a 35 percent growth in revenue compared to 2022. The tourism sector is projected to fully recover from the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, having made a significant rebound in 2023.

According to a survey by the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, the tourism sector achieved 88 percent of pre-pandemic levels last year. Total export revenues from tourism, encompassing passenger transport, reached approximately $1.6 trillion in 2023, nearly 95 per cent of the $1.7 trillion recorded in 2019.

Projections suggest a continuation of this positive trend, with estimates indicating a 2 per cent growth in international tourist arrivals above 2019 levels.

Brussels Airlines CEO Dorothea Von Boxberg and Versmessen Bert, the Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda, cut the ribbon to reopen the check-in service at Hôtel des Mille Collines.