First non-stop Kigali to Heathrow service takes flight

Credit: RwandAir

RwandAir’s first non-stop flight between Kigali International Airport (KGL) and London has landed into London Heathrow (LHR).

The ambitious African airline has been operating flights to London via Brussels for the past five years, but they have been replaced with a new non-stop direct service to cater for demand.

Simon Rickman, RwandAir UK Country Manager commented: “We are excited our first non-stop flight has landed at London Heathrow. 

“The UK is an incredibly important market for RwandAir as we know these new non-stop services will prove very popular with our customers, who will highly value our shorter journey times and increased connections to onward destinations across Africa.”

Ross Baker, Heathrow Chief Commercial Officer added: “We are delighted to see RwandAir expand their operations by launching a new non-stop route linking London and Kigali through Heathrow, the UK’s hub airport.

“It is fantastic that demand for travel is increasing again, boosting connectivity for passengers and cargo.”

The new flights increase access for the airline’s premium leisure customers looking to experience a close encounter with Rwanda’s world-famous mountain gorillas, go on safari in Akagera National Park and witness Rwanda’s majestic scenery in ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’.

The airlines’ convenient schedule also allows for quick and easy connections through Kigali and onto a wealth of destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

From its hub in the heart of Africa at Kigali International Airport, RwandAir is renowned for its excellent on-time performance, customer service and safety. RwandAir won the award for ‘Best Airline Staff in Africa’ at Skytrax’s 2022 World Airline Awards, for a second successive year, in recognition of its excellent customer service.

And, the African carrier also won the award for ‘Best Cabin Crew in Africa’ and ‘Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness in Africa’, completing the trio.

It also has one of the youngest fleets on the African continent, with 12 aircraft including two wide-body Airbus A330s.

RwandAir currently serves 28 destinations across East, Central, West and Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.