Data released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on domestic air travel shows a significant rise in passengers flying within Rwanda using RwandAir. In 2020, 5,922 passengers traveled domestically with RwandAir, a figure that surged to 22,547 in 2023.
This marks an increase of 16,625 passengers, equivalent to a growth rate of 280%.
The statistics were published in the Rwanda Statistical Yearbook, which reflects data from 2023 and was released at the end of 2024.
RwandAir operates one domestic route, connecting Kigali to Kamembe in Rusizi District, using a Bombardier Q-400 NextGen aircraft. The fare for the route is $100.
In 2019, the number of domestic passengers stood at 20,959. However, this dropped to 5,922 in 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. By 2021, the numbers had more than doubled, reaching 11,016.
The report also highlights that RwandAir significantly benefited from the increase in domestic travel. According to the Rwanda Fiscal Risk Statement 2024/2025 released by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning in April, the airline’s revenue grew by 80% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
In 2023, RwandAir generated RWF 620.6 billion, up from RWF 341 billion in 2022.
The data reveals that 2020 was a challenging year for the airline due to travel restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. In 2019, the airline generated RWF 334 billion, but this dropped to RWF 300 billion in 2020 and further declined to RWF 271 billion in 2021.
During this period, the government provided RWF 192.3 billion in support to help the airline navigate the crisis.
Another report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in 2023 shows that cargo transported by RwandAir increased by 22.7%, reaching 4,595 tons. The cargo was primarily shipped to Dubai in the UAE, as well as to the UK and Belgium.
Additionally, 60% of passengers passing through Kigali International Airport use RwandAir.