RwandAir’s return to the Gulf is welcome, but exporters must rebuild smarter

The resumption of RwandAir flights to Dubai and Doha is a welcome relief for Rwanda’s horticulture exporters, especially those dealing in highly perishable products such as avocados. For nearly three months, the suspension of flights to the Middle East exposed how vulnerable export businesses can be when they depend heavily on a few routes and markets. For exporters, the return of flights means more than restored transport. It means the possibility of reconnecting with buyers, reducing farm-level losses, and reviving incomes for farmers and traders whose produce had either piled up or been sold cheaply on the local market. For companies that were previously shipping tonnes of avocados every week, the disruption was not a small inconvenience; it affected cash flow, product quality, customer confidence, and market position. The government and RwandAir therefore deserve credit for working toward the resumption of these routes. Air connectivity is central to Rwanda’s ambition to grow high-value agricultural exports. Without reliable cargo links, exporters cannot compete effectively in distant markets, especially where freshness and timely delivery determine price. However, the resumption of flights should not be mistaken for a full recovery. Exporters still face higher freight costs, limited cargo space, uncertain demand, and competition from countries such as Kenya and Uganda. Some buyers may have shifted to alternative suppliers during the disruption, and winning them back will require deliberate effort. Exporters must now move beyond waiting for markets to return. They need to communicate aggressively with former clients, offer consistent supply plans, and rebuild trust through reliability and quality. Where possible, they should pool cargo to improve bargaining power with airlines and reduce the cost burden on individual exporters. They should also diversify markets. The Middle East remains important, but overdependence on one region is risky. Exporters, working with NAEB and trade partners, should explore new buyers in Africa, Europe, and Asia while strengthening regional sales channels. Most importantly, Rwanda must accelerate value addition. Avocado oil and other processed products can reduce pressure on fresh exports, extend shelf life, and generate better returns. The recent crisis has shown that exporting raw produce alone leaves farmers and companies exposed. The flights are back, and that is good news. But the stronger lesson is that Rwanda’s exporters must rebuild with more resilience, better coordination, and a wider market strategy.

Opinions

RwandAir’s return to the Gulf is welcome, but exporters must rebuild smarter