The resumption of RwandAir flights between Kigali and Rubavu will promote local and cross border trade, according to officials.

The second domestic flight after Kamembe was halted in 2009 to allow the completion of renovation and airport upgrading by installing more equipment.

"With more businesses coming up in Rubavu, this flight will contribute to the larger national agenda of boosting trade, investment and movement of people within our border and internationally,” said Alexis Nzahabwanimana, the Minister of State in Charge of Transport.

RwandAir will operate four weekly frequencies every Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

The Rubavu flight becomes the third RwandAir destination this year coming closely after the launch of the Brazzaville- Republic of Congo and Libreville- Gabon routes.

"We want to be a hub in air transport in the region since we are strategically located. We have to open our doors to the rest of the world hence achieving economic development,” added Nzahabwanimana.

RwandAir will, later this year, acquire two Boeing 737-800 aircrafts.

"We planned for this destination on the basis of connectivity needs for travellers in this region and we believe the Rubavu flight will make a valuable contribution to our network,” said John Mirenge, the Chief Executive Officer of RwandAir.

The twenty minute flight costs Rwf60, 000 to and from.

Mirenge also said that with Rubavu’s commercial and touristic nature and the international standards of the airport, both North and South Kivu should be explored economically.

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