RwandAir has announced the launch of a new coastal route between Zanzibar and Mombasa, set to begin operations on 1 December 2025, just in time for the festive holiday season.

The service, which will operate four times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays using a Boeing B737, will connect Kigali with two of East Africa’s most sought-after tourist destinations. The new route gives travelers access to Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches and Mombasa’s vibrant coastline, while boosting regional tourism, trade, and connectivity.

This development marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa after a six-year break and introduces Zanzibar as a brand-new destination for the airline. With the addition, the carrier now flies to three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya.

“Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” said Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer. “By expanding our East African network, we are strengthening Kigali’s position as a key hub, giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”

The schedule will see Flight WB 444 depart Kigali at 9:50 a.m., arriving in Zanzibar at 12:50 p.m., before continuing to Mombasa at 1:40 p.m. and landing at 2:35 p.m. The return journey, Flight WB 445, will leave Mombasa at 5:10 p.m., stop in Zanzibar, and then arrive in Kigali at 8:00 p.m.

The airline, which recently won Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, says the new service is designed to make travel more seamless for holidaymakers, whether planning weekend escapes or extended vacations.

RwandAir currently operates a fleet of 13 aircraft and connects Africa to the world through over 144 destinations via direct flights and codeshare partnerships, with Kigali serving as its central hub.