Exporters of agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits and flowers, have welcomed the resumption of RwandAir flights to Doha, Qatar, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, saying the move has restored vital access to key international markets after months of disruption.
The flights, which had been suspended due to conflict in the Middle East, resumed on June 1, 2026, according to RwandAir.
The suspension had disrupted supply chains for perishable goods, with exporters reporting that produce continued to arrive from farms but could not be shipped abroad, leading to congestion in cold storage facilities and financial losses.
“During that period, production continued to come in, but it could not be exported. Cold storage facilities were filling up, and goods were unable to reach international markets. Now that flights have resumed, produce is being processed, packed, and dispatched as usual,” one exporter said.
Exporters dealing in vegetables and flowers to the Middle East said the reopening of the routes has restored confidence in the sector, noting that the region remains one of their most important markets.
They added that the timing is particularly significant ahead of the upcoming peak export season, which begins in the coming months.
“We really appreciate that flights are back in operation. The market has responded positively, and we believe this will help us during the upcoming season in one or two months, while we continue servicing our clients,” another exporter said.
Exporters further noted that the resumption of flights is expected to improve access to key buyers in Dubai, including hotels and hospitality businesses that rely on fresh agricultural imports.
RwandAir Cargo Manager Jean Bosco Gakuba said the airline is continuing to expand its cargo operations and international network as part of its long-term growth strategy.
“RwandAir Cargo is working on various projects to expand its operations and route network. New markets are being studied, and details will be shared in the near future,” he said.
He added that among the potential new destinations under consideration are routes across Africa, as well as long-haul services to Istanbul in Turkey, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
The airline says the expansion is aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s position as a regional logistics hub and improving access for exporters to global markets.
