RwandAir (WB, Kigali) has announced it is rerouting flights following the closure of Democratic Republic of Congo airspace to Rwandan-registered aircraft in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Goma, capital of North Kivu Province in the eastern part of the country bordering Rwanda.

"Due to the closure of DR Congo airspace to Rwandan-registered aircraft, RwandAir has rerouted affected flight paths. We are working to provide the safest and most efficient alternatives while minimising inconvenience to our passengers," the airline said in a brief statement.

ch-aviation has contacted RwandAir for more information.

Citing an internal memo by the DRC airport authority, the country's national news agency, Agence Congolaise de Presse (ACP), first reported on February 11 the "formal ban on overflight and landing on the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo for all civil and state aircraft registered in Rwanda or those registered elsewhere based in Rwanda, due to the insecurity situation due to the armed conflict."

Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebel group in the conflict, particularly through military aid like arms and personnel, though Rwanda denies these allegations.

On February 11, the DRC Civil Aviation Authority (Autorite de l'Aviation Civile de la RDC - AAC-RDC) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) advising that, due to the armed conflict, Goma International Airport would be closed until May 11, 2025.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) on February 12 issued a NOTAM warning operators to avoid entering the airspace within 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) of the eastern border of the DRC, including the area near Goma International Airport below 25,000 feet (7,620 metres) above ground level, due to the potential risks from anti-aircraft weaponry in the conflict zone. The restriction applies along the entire eastern border of the DRC, covering areas near Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi.

Goma was effectively closed due to the fighting around late January 2025 when M23 forces advanced and took control of the city. Flights there have been suspended by Ethiopian Airlines, Jambojet, and Astral Aviation. According to Reuters, the airport remains closed amid ongoing calls from humanitarian organisations for its reopening to facilitate relief operations. About 3,000 people were killed in days of violence that preceded the capture of Goma, according to United Nations figures.