Travel rarely goes entirely to plan. Originally booked to return home from Nairobi with Etihad via Dubai, those plans were abruptly cancelled due to the ongoing Gulf conflict, leaving us scrambling for alternatives at short notice.
In a market suddenly driven by urgency and limited availability, prices across many airlines had surged. RwandAir, however, stood out as a comparatively affordable and flexible option. We booked online through an agent, securing one-way tickets from Nairobi to London via Kigali for £550 per person, including a flexible fare with cancellation options. Given the circumstances, this represented strong value.
What made the rerouting even more appealing was the opportunity to break the journey in Rwanda. Rather than simply passing through, we opted for a stopover and travelled to Nyungwe National Park to see chimpanzees. It proved to be an inspired decision and is something RwandAir actively facilitates, positioning Kigali not just as a transit hub but as a gateway to one of Africa’s most compelling and accessible destinations.
Nairobi to Kigali: A Reliable Regional Connection
The first leg of the journey, from Nairobi to Kigali, was operated by a Boeing 737-800 in a standard 3–3 configuration. Boarding was straightforward, and the aircraft felt clean and well maintained.
The flight departed on time and ran smoothly. As this was an evening service, we arrived into Kigali after dark, so there were no views of Rwanda’s famously undulating landscape on approach. That said, the overall experience was efficient and well managed.
Service on board was solid for a short regional flight, with refreshments provided (a warm ham and cheese roll and small muffin) and a calm, professional cabin crew presence throughout. It set a reassuring tone for the onward journey.
Arrival formalities in Kigali were notably efficient. Immigration was quick and well organised, and checked baggage arrived promptly. One important point to note for travellers on this route is the requirement for a Yellow Fever certificate. Kenya is classified as an endemic country, and proof of vaccination is required on arrival in Rwanda.
Kigali as a Stopover: A Smart Option
RwandAir’s stopover proposition deserves particular mention. Too often, transit points are simply endured, but Kigali offers the chance to add genuine value to a journey.
Our detour to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, provided a completely different dimension to the trip. Tracking chimpanzees through dense forest is a world away from the savannah safari experience and highlights Rwanda’s diversity as a destination.
For travellers considering routes between East Africa and Europe, this is a compelling reason to choose RwandAir over more direct but less flexible alternatives.
Kigali International Airport: Small but Functional
Kigali International Airport reflects Rwanda’s broader approach: orderly, efficient, and manageable.
The airport is well maintained but small. It is easy to navigate, with short walking distances and minimal congestion. Facilities are adequate rather than extensive, with a small café, a handful of duty-free outlets, and a few souvenir shops.
It is comfortable without being exceptional, but for a short transit, it works well.
Looking ahead, Rwanda is investing heavily in its aviation infrastructure. A new international airport is currently under construction on the southern edge of Kigali, designed to significantly increase capacity and enhance the passenger experience. Once completed, this will further strengthen Kigali’s position as a regional hub.
Kigali to London: Long-Haul with Character
The second leg, from Kigali to London, was operated by an Airbus A330 and represents RwandAir’s long-haul offering. The fact that they are permitted into UK airspace to land at LHR allayed any nerves over maintenance and training.
Boarding was slightly delayed, with departure running around an hour late due to an unruly passenger being removed from the aircraft, along with their baggage. While this was an unusual disruption, it was handled professionally, and the crew kept passengers informed throughout.
Importantly, the airline was able to recover much of the lost time in flight, and we arrived into London more or less on schedule.
Cabin Comfort and Atmosphere
The Airbus A330 cabin is configured in a 2–4–2 layout in economy. Seating is comfortable, with adequate legroom for a long-haul overnight flight. While it does not push the boundaries of innovation, it delivers a solid, dependable experience.
One of the more noticeable aspects of the flight was the atmosphere on board. Despite experiencing some prolonged and strong turbulence that delayed meal service for 40 minutes, the cabin felt relaxed and unhurried, without the intensity that can sometimes characterise larger international carriers. This contributed positively to the overall comfort of the journey.
In-Flight Dining: Thoughtful and Sustainable
Meal service was a pleasant surprise. Dinner was served after take-off, followed by a lighter snack prior to landing (ham and cheese roll with muffin…).
The quality of the food was good, with decent portions and well-paced service. However, what stood out most was the airline’s approach to sustainability. All meal packaging was recyclable, with no plastic used, a detail that reflects Rwanda’s broader environmental policies and sets RwandAir apart from many competitors.
Drinks service was equally well handled, with generous measures poured from the trolley, something that did not go unnoticed by passengers.
In-Flight Entertainment: Adequate but Dated
RwandAir’s in-flight entertainment system is functional but not market-leading.
Screens are smaller than those found on airlines such as Emirates, and while the system itself worked reliably across the cabin, the content selection leaned more towards older classics rather than the latest releases.
That said, there was still a reasonable range of films and programming available, enough to pass the time on an overnight flight. For many travellers, particularly those planning to sleep, this is unlikely to be a major drawback.
Service and Consistency
Across both flights, one of RwandAir’s strongest attributes was consistency.
Cabin crew were professional, approachable, and attentive without being overbearing. There is a genuine warmth to the service style, which feels natural rather than scripted. The planes were clean and the toilets, even as we approached London, had been well maintained.
From check-in in Nairobi to arrival in London, the airline delivered a coherent and reliable experience, something that is not always guaranteed when travelling across multiple sectors.
Value and Positioning
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of RwandAir is its value proposition.
In this case, the airline provided a practical and affordable solution at a time when alternatives were either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The £550 flexible fare, particularly in a disrupted market, represented excellent value for a long-haul journey.
Beyond price, the ability to incorporate a meaningful stopover in Rwanda adds a layer of flexibility and experience that few competitors offer on this route.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Competitive pricing, especially during periods of disruption
- Flexible ticket options available
- Efficient and easy transfer through Kigali
- Opportunity to add a meaningful Rwanda stopover (e.g. Nyungwe, Volcanoes)
- Warm, professional and consistent service across both flights
- Sustainable approach to catering with recyclable, plastic-free packaging
- Generous drinks service
Cons
- In-flight entertainment system is dated, with smaller screens
- Limited selection of newer film releases
- Kigali Airport is functional but lacks extensive facilities
- Not as polished or premium as leading Middle Eastern carriers
- Smaller fleet leaves it open to cancellations.
Verdict
RwandAir delivers a reliable and well-priced alternative for travel between East Africa and Europe, with the added advantage of a stopover in one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations.
It may not offer the cutting-edge entertainment or scale of the major global airlines, but it compensates with warmth, efficiency, and a refreshingly thoughtful approach to service.
For travellers willing to route via Kigali, particularly those interested in adding depth to their journey, RwandAir is a smart and increasingly attractive choice.
And the most important question; Would I fly with them? Yes.
Photo by Omoniyi David on Unsplash
