The arrival of flight QR 536 to Rwanda’s capital city of Kigali takes the airline’s African capacity up to 132 passenger flights each week across a diverse network of cities.
A dramatic water salute soon after touchdown at Kigali International Airport signaled the arrival of Qatar Airways to its 113th international destination — a remarkable feat for an airline celebrating only 15 years of operations.
Qatar Airways’ CEO Akbar Al-Baker flew on the inaugural service from Doha, and received a colorful welcome by traditional Rwandan dancers followed by an airport ceremony attended by over 150 guests, including ministers, local dignitaries, business leaders, airport officials and media.
The chief guest was Rwanda’s Infrastructure Minister Albert Nsengiyumva.
With a strong focus on operating to underserved markets worldwide, Kigali is one destination that clearly fitted the bill for Qatar Airways, said Al-Baker during an arrival speech at the city’s international airport.
“We have extended our reach to yet another underserved market with today’s launch of flights to Kigali,” he said.
“The direct daily air link between my home city of Doha and Kigali is further testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding our presence in Africa and East Africa in particular, a dynamic region to where we already fly twice daily to both Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, and daily to Entebbe.
“Our newest route connects the mineral rich Rwandan landscape with the energy rich nation of Qatar, neighboring Gulf states and cities around the world,” added Al-Baker.
Nsengiyumva said: “The coming of Qatar Airways signals mutual development which will have a positive impact on the economic growth of both Rwanda and Qatar.”