The flights between Paris and Kinshasa were interrupted by Air France from 28 to 30 January. The company resumed operations on Friday*.. The company's decision followed the sudden deterioration of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Particularly in the28 January attack on several embassies of Western countries, including France but also Belgium and the United States. At issue: the inaction of Western countries in the face of the situation in the east of the country, with the taking of Goma - and the airport in the capital of North Kivu province - by the M23 rebels. The embassies of Rwanda and Kenya were also attacked during the demonstration.
An Air France spokesperson said: " Due to the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Air France confirms that it will not operate flights to Kinshasa on Wednesday 29 January and Thursday 30 January 2025. The flight schedule for the following days will be adapted according to developments in the situation. The airline is constantly monitoring the geopolitical situation in the areas served and overflown by its aircraft in order to ensure the highest level of flight safety. Air France reiterates that the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute imperative. "
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) said on Tuesday: " France condemns in the strongest possible terms today's attack by demonstrators on its embassy and other diplomatic compounds in Kinshasa. It urges the Congolese authorities to ensure the integrity and security of all diplomatic establishments on its territory, as is their responsibility in accordance with their obligations under international law. France is doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of its staff and nationals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. ". The Ministry's website recommends that French nationals " to stay away from all gatherings and to exercise the greatest caution when travelling ".
Brussels Airlines back in Kinshasa on Friday
Visit Belgium, Brussels Airlines - which cancelled its flights on 28 and 29 January, is already planning its return. A spokesman for the airline said: " After an in-depth analysis, we decided to resume flights to and from Kinshasa from 31 Januarywith some additional security measures. Our crews will not be spending the night in Kinshasa at the moment. The return flight from Kinshasa to Brussels will therefore make a technical stopover in Yaoundé (Cameroon). We apologise to passengers for this inconvenience. The flight on 30 January will be delayed by 24 hours. (...) We will continue to monitor the situation closely and act quickly if necessary. Passengers who do not wish to travel in the next few days can have their tickets refunded. ".
Brussels Airlines is " a reliable partner for its passengers to and from Kinshasa, and for the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are known for and proud to continue to operate, even in difficult conditions. Because it is precisely in these circumstances that connectivity is important. But safety is always the top priority ".
The website of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs notes: ". Due to the volatile and dangerous situation, travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo is not recommended. ". The Belgian authorities add: " On 28 January, a violent demonstration took place in Kinshasa against, among others, the Belgian embassy. Other events have been announced for the coming days. Demonstrations and protests are possible throughout the country. These can quickly degenerate into violence and it is advisable to stay away from them. Although they are not generally targeted during political unrest, the expatriate community is likely to be affected by its repercussions. They may also be subjected to threats and violent robberies because of their economic status. Kidnappings are recurrent in some parts of the country ".
* Article updated on 31 January
