RwandAir Begins Kigali-Lagos Direct Flights

RwandAir, the National carrier of Rwanda has launched direct flights from its operating hub in Kigali to Lagos, in Nigeria.

With this development, Lagos is now the 13th destination of the airline’s rapidly growing network and the fourth destination this year after domestic Gisenyi.

Speaking at the launch of the new route, the Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir, John Mirenge expressed their commitment to the westward network expansion drive and commended the Nigerian government for giving them the necessary support.

“At the beginning of the year, we made a commitment to expand our network with a focus on central and West Africa.

Lagos for us is an exciting addition to our Network and we know the destination will have very positive contributions to the already existing network”, he said.

He said they were satisfied for choosing Lagos as their first West African destination, adding that the Nigerian aviation authorities had been cooperative and responsive to their request to fly to Lagos.

“From the time we declared our intentions to fly to Lagos, the Nigerian government and aviation authorities have been very swift and quick in welcoming us”, he added.

Meanwhile Arik Air has resumed flight operations from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to London Heathrow.

The airline had on October 28, this year suspended its operations on the route as a result of the imbalance in Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Britain.

Abuja Regional Manager of Arik Air, Mr. Hamza Bukar said the resumption of the flight operation was a victory for Nigerians who protested the injustice meted out to the airline.

“You can see the excitement written all over our faces. We are excited because we have fulfilled the yearning of Nigerians.

For the first time, Nigerians were united in fighting for their right because this is not just Arik’s right, it is the right of Nigerians. BASA is Nigerians’ right and there was unity”, he said.

“So, whatever you witness today is the climax of what has happened. What Nigerians have been yearning for. We have just produced a kind of service Nigerians have been yearning for”, he added.