Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced on April 17, 2026, that it will add new African destinations as part of a network expansion. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi will join its network from March 2027.

The first flight to Kinshasa is scheduled for March 18, 2027, with three weekly flights. Lubumbashi will be served via an Abu Dhabi–Harare–Lubumbashi route starting March 24, 2027, also with three weekly flights.

Etihad cited growing demand for air connectivity in Africa, particularly in trade and cargo, as the main driver of the expansion. “Demand for air connectivity in key African markets exceeds supply, particularly in cargo and trade. This expansion directly addresses that gap,” Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves said.

The announcement comes as economic ties between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Arab Emirates strengthen. In February 2026, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. According to the Congolese presidency, the agreement opens the Emirati market to around 6,000 Congolese products and cuts certain customs duties for Congolese operators.

In this context, the new Etihad service could support trade flows between the DRC and the UAE, particularly for high-value goods or time-sensitive shipments. The airline added that all new routes will offer cargo capacity.

The move is part of a broader goal to raise bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2030. According to Congolese authorities, trade between the two countries rose from $1.2 billion in 2020 to $4.5 billion in 2024.

Timothée Manoke