According to projections from Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and affiliated institutions, the number of people visiting or transiting through Rwandan airports is expected to increase to over one million this fiscal year, as the national carrier prepares to launch five new destinations.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Infrastructure, Christian Rwakunda, presented the figures, which predict that the country’s aviation traffic, which currently sits at 926 571, will rise to 1 151 300 passengers, reports The New Times.
In 2016-2017, Rwanda recorded 747 761 passengers either visiting the country or in transit to another destination.
Whilst presenting the performance contracts signed between the Ministry with its line agencies, Rwakunda said RwandAir was the reason behind the increase in numbers and, during the course of this fiscal year, would add five new destinations.
According to Rwakunda, these five new destinations are Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Guangzhou, southern China; Tel Aviv, Israel; Conakry, Guinea; and New York, US.
Once the new routes are operational, RwandAir will operate flights to 31 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
The New Times quoted Rwakunda saying: “Air transport sector registered a substantial growth in terms of passenger numbers, routes expansion, airport expansion and construction.”
The national carrier recently expanded its route network to include Brussels, London, Abuja, Dakar, and Cape Town. Prior to this, RwandAir launched other long-haul flights to both Mumbai and London Gatwick.
Statistics made available by the Rwanda Development Board indicate that tourism revenue from air transport visitors increased by 7% from January and July during the fiscal year 2016-2017. Despite air arrivals only accounting for 13% of the country’s traffic, it generated 57% of tourism revenues, equating to $145 million, compared with last year’s figure of $135.2 million.
According to Rwakunda, phase one of the construction of Bugesera International Airport will be 70% complete by June next year.
