Air Congo announces new direct Kinshasa–Paris route

Air Congo is preparing to expand its European network with a new direct service between Kinshasa and Paris, just weeks after launching its first-ever European route to Brussels.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national carrier announced the new Kinshasa–Paris connection on Saturday, 1 August, describing it as a new destination that will bring people, families and opportunities closer together.

“Nous sommes fiers de vous annoncer l’ouverture de notre nouvelle destination Kinshasa-Paris, une liaison qui rapproche les peuples, les familles et les opportunités,” Air Congo said in a post on X, encouraging passengers to “prepare their bags.”

The announcement was reported by Congolese news outlet Actualité.cd. However, Air Congo has not yet disclosed when the new route will begin operating. Details regarding the airport (Charles de Gaulle or Orly), frequency, flight schedule, aircraft and fares have also yet to be announced.

Second European destination

Paris would become Air Congo’s second European destination after Brussels, where the airline launched scheduled flights on 1 July 2026.

The inaugural Kinshasa–Brussels flight marked Air Congo’s first-ever service to Europe and introduced direct competition to Brussels Airlines on the route. The service currently operates five times per week.

The Brussels operation is being conducted using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner supplied by Ethiopian Airlines under an ACMI agreement. Ethiopian Airlines owns a 49% stake in Air Congo and provides the aircraft and crew, while Air Congo markets the flights under its own airline code.

Paris had already been identified as one of the destinations Air Congo was considering as part of its international expansion following the launch of the Brussels route.

Expanding Air Congo’s international network

Air Congo was established in 2024 and began commercial operations in December of that year. The airline is majority-owned by the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 49% stake.

The carrier has been progressively expanding beyond its initial domestic network, with the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines playing a central role in its international development.

The planned Paris service would strengthen air connectivity between the DRC and France, particularly for the large Congolese diaspora in France, while also providing an additional direct link for business, tourism and trade.

For Air Congo, the announcement represents another significant step in its ambition to establish itself as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s international flag carrier.

The airline has not yet indicated whether the Kinshasa–Paris service will also be operated with an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787 under the existing ACMI arrangement. Further details are expected once the launch date and operational schedule are confirmed.

Source: Actualité.cd

Nous sommes fiers de vous annoncer l’ouverture de notre nouvelle destination Kinshasa – Paris, une liaison qui rapproche les peuples, les familles et les opportunités.

Préparez vos valises, vivez le confort d’Air Congo et envolez-vous vers la Ville Lumière.

Bienvenue à bord.… pic.twitter.com/U5U07CXZQW

— Air Congo (@Air_Congo_) August 1, 2026