Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir successfully made its first flight to Dubai on Friday night as it had planned.
The airline also announced that it offered an upgrade to business class to the first two passengers who checked-in online on flight WB304 from Kigali to Dubai. Flight WB304 from Kigali to Dubai took off shortly after 1AM.
Other destinations are yet to be announced and that resumption dates will be communicated in due course, RwandAir said on Saturday. Most of it’s registered routes such as China, DRC, Senegal, S. Sudan, and others, “remain temporarily suspended until further notice.”
RwandAir CEO, Yvonne Makolo told journalists last month that, “The number of routes will depend on which countries will have lifted their travel restrictions by then. We’ll start with those who are open.”
Today, the national flag carrier, @FlyRwandAir has resumed commercial flights after months of suspension due to #COVID19 pandemic. The airline operated the first flight to #Dubai , United Arab Emirates with the flight WB304.https://t.co/OEWRbLX5d7#VisitRwanda pic.twitter.com/nr6qzoXB9u
— Ministry of Infrastructure | Rwanda (@RwandaInfra) August 1, 2020
Meanwhile, the airline is encouraging passengers to check-in online to minimize person-to-person contact.
Also read: Is Rwanda ready to open its Airport?
Online check-in is available between 24hrs and 3hrs prior to departure time: https://bit.ly/2XbhpdC
All passengers require a certificate of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure time and it is required for passengers departing, transiting or arriving in Rwanda.
Passengers whose final destination is Rwanda are required to book a hotel for 24 hours from the list of designated hotels and complete the electronic Passenger Locator Form available here: https://bit.ly/311hGRh
“As we resume our passenger services, we have prepared the following five-step guide on what to expect at Kigali International Airport and onboard RwandAir flights,” the airline said on July 30, 2020.
Passenger Locator Form (PLF) available here: http://www.rbc.gov.rw/travel.
The Government of Rwanda has negotiated special rates at the designated hotels for the waiting period.
Should a guest wish to remain in the hotel after receiving negative test results, they are welcome to extend their stay at the applicable hotel’s normal rates. Guests can also choose to book another hotel after receiving their negative test results.
The negotiated hotel rate is on a full board basis (inclusive of three meals) and airport pick up upon arrival.
However, if a guest takes less than three meals, no refund will be provided. The meals are inclusive of water or a soft drink. Any extras will be paid for separately on order.
Original article on Taarifa Rwanda