Air Congo is preparing to enter the long-haul market with the planned launch of its Kinshasa-Brussels route on July 1, 2026. Beyond the Belgian capital, the airline is also considering Paris and Dubai as future destinations, although no operational timetable has yet been announced for either route.

Details of the Dubai plans were reported by aviation industry publication ch-aviation, which cited comments from Air Congo Chief Executive Mesfin Biru. According to Biru, the airline's long-haul expansion plans include services to Brussels Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and Dubai International Airport.

For now, Brussels is the only intercontinental destination with a confirmed launch schedule. Air Congo plans to operate five weekly flights beginning July 1, 2026, using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Owned 51% by the Congolese state and 49% by Ethiopian Airlines, Air Congo is relying on the Ethiopian carrier to accelerate its development. According to available information, its long-haul strategy will be supported by two Boeing 787-8 aircraft provided by Ethiopian Airlines under an ACMI agreement, commonly known as a wet lease.

Under such an arrangement, an airline operates aircraft supplied with crew, maintenance and insurance. In Air Congo's case, the agreement also provides access to Ethiopian Airlines' operational expertise, while airlines certified by Congolese authorities continue to face European aviation safety restrictions.

Dubai, a Strategic Market

While Brussels represents the airline's first step into long-haul operations, Paris and Dubai remain part of a broader growth strategy. No flight schedule, frequency or launch date has been officially announced for either destination.

Dubai's inclusion in the plan is strategic. The emirate is a major destination for Congolese traders who travel there to source goods for the domestic market, including electronics, household appliances, clothing, furniture and vehicles.

The Kinshasa-Dubai route has existed before as a one-stop service. Flydubai launched flights between Dubai and Kinshasa via Entebbe, Uganda, in April 2018. The Emirati carrier initially announced daily service before discontinuing the route on Feb. 1, 2019. Some sources reported that the service was operating four weekly flights when it was suspended.

If Air Congo moves ahead with its plans, Dubai could once again become a key destination in Kinshasa's international network. Today, Congolese travelers generally reach the emirate through connecting flights, particularly via Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Entebbe and other regional hubs.

Health Restrictions

The airline's ambitions will also have to contend with the current public health environment. In early June 2026, authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced restrictions affecting travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan as part of efforts to strengthen Ebola prevention measures.

The measures include the suspension of new visa issuance for nationals of the three countries, as well as entry restrictions for travelers arriving from or transiting through them. Certain categories of travelers may still be admitted if they have spent more than 21 days outside the affected countries before arrival.

UAE authorities have stated that cargo flights continue to operate normally. Transit passengers traveling through the UAE are also not affected by the restrictions.

For Air Congo, the challenge will be twofold: successfully launching its Brussels service with the support of Ethiopian Airlines and ultimately making its Paris and Dubai expansion plans a reality. The success of that strategy will depend on aircraft availability, regulatory approvals, passenger demand and any future developments related to health or regulatory restrictions in key markets.

Timothée Manoke