Air Congo is preparing to enter the long-haul market with plans to launch nonstop service between Kinshasa and Brussels, marking the carrier’s first intercontinental route.
The airline has opened reservations for a 5X-weekly service connecting Kinshasa’s N’djili International Airport and Brussels Airport, which is scheduled to begin July 1, subject to government approval. Flights will be operated using Boeing 787-8 aircraft provided by Ethiopian Airlines, Air Congo’s strategic partner and shareholder.
The move represents a significant step for the carrier, which began operations in December 2024 building a domestic presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Brussels is a logical first choice as the airline taps into strong historical, business and diaspora links between Belgium and the DRC, as well as onward connectivity opportunities across Europe and North America.
Sabre Market Intelligence data shows O&D traffic between Kinshasa and Brussels totaled about 85,150 two-way passengers in 2025, with roughly 40% traveling point to point and the majority connecting beyond Brussels. Paris was the largest onward destination from Brussels, followed by Geneva and Montreal.
The new service will compete with Brussels Airlines, which currently operates up to daily flights between Kinshasa and Brussels using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. OAG Schedules Analyser data show the Star Alliance carrier offers around 4,100 two-way weekly seats on the route.
As reported by Aviation Week, Air Congo has captured a 43% share of the domestic market since launching and achieved an average load factor of about 70%. The airline currently has three 737-800s in service as well as two ATR 72-600s, according to CAPA Fleet Database.
The Brussels route is part of a wider expansion strategy that includes growing regional operations across Africa. It recently launched service linking Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Johannesburg.
“Our vision is to make Air Congo the leading air carrier in Central Africa, connecting the African countries as a midpoint transit hub,” Air Congo CEO Mesfin Biru said in January.
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