The Southern African aviation landscape reached a significant milestone on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as Air Congo officially launched its regional operations with a maiden flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
The arrival of the Congolese flag carrier's Boeing 737-800 signifies a major shift for the airline, transitioning it from a domestic specialist to a serious regional contender. This new route is the cornerstone of a rapid international expansion intended to position the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a central aviation hub for the continent.
A strategic partnership for regional growth
Air Congo's international debut is backed by a powerful strategic partnership. The airline is a joint venture between the DRC Government (51%) and Ethiopian Airlines (49%), with the latter providing technical management, training, and fleet support.
Since beginning domestic operations in December 2024, the carrier has already generated nearly $40 million in revenue. The Johannesburg launch is the first in a five-city international rollout scheduled for this month and next.
Flight schedule and route details
The service connects Kinshasa to Johannesburg via a stopover in the mining capital, Lubumbashi, catering to high-demand business and industrial travel. The flight will operates three times a week from Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Flight ET062: Departs Kinshasa 08:00 → arrives Johannesburg 15:20
- Flight ET063: Departs Johannesburg 16:30 → arrives Kinshasa 21:30
Fleet expansion and modernisation
The inauguration follows the arrival of the airline's third Boeing 737-800 on February 1,2026. While the regional launch is moving ahead at full speed, the airline is currently navigating minor delays in the delivery of two ATR 72-600 turboprops, now expected in mid-April.
During the official ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba emphasised that the government plans to add four more Boeing 737-800s within the next year to support further expansion into West and East Africa.
Impact on African connectivity
By entering the Johannesburg market, Air Congo introduces vital competition on the Kinshasa- South Africa corridor, traditionally served by South African Airways and Airlink.
“This is a bold move less than 18 months after our inaugural domestic flight,” said an Air Congo spokesperson. “It reflects our commitment to making the DRC a pivot for trade, mobility, and tourism across Central and Southern Africa.”
Upcoming international launch dates:
- March 22: Entebbe (Uganda) — Launched simultaneously with Johannesburg
- March 28: Douala (Cameroon) and Cotonou (Benin)
- April 4: Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)