On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the DRC government officially barred flights from Rwanda from entering its airspace or landing on its territory, citing security concerns. Just hours after the announcement, RwandAir confirmed that it had started implementing the directive.

“Due to the closure of DRC airspace to Rwandan-registered aircrafts, RwandAir has established alternative routes for affected flights. We are doing everything possible to ensure safe and reliable travel while minimizing disruptions for our customers," RwandAir said in a statement. The airline also apologized to passengers affected by the decision.

"Civil or government aircraft registered in Rwanda, or elsewhere but operating in Rwanda, are prohibited from DRC airspace and territory due to security threats posed by the ongoing conflict," the DRC Civil Aviation Authority said earlier.

This decision comes as tensions between the two countries continue to rise amid ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and the armed group M23, which has controlled the city of Goma since January 27, 2025.

The latest ban follows a similar measure imposed by the DRC in 2022, which suspended RwandAir’s operations within the country. Before that, RwandAir operated flights to key DRC airports, including Goma International Airport, Lubumbashi International Airport, and N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa.

The Rwandan national carrier, RwandAir, has suspended flights over DRC airspace.