Congo Airways Faces Critical Challenges; President Tshisekedi Demands Realistic Recovery

March 22, 2026 - The national airline, Congo Airways SA, remains in a precarious state, posing legal, financial, and reputational risks for the state as a shareholder. Despite multiple government-led recovery efforts, the airline continues to struggle with operational inefficiencies, raising concerns over rising air travel costs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the 83rd Council of Ministers meeting held on March 20 at the African Union City complex, President Félix Tshisekedi reviewed the findings of a joint investigation launched in December 2025. The mission, comprising the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the High Council of the Portfolio, and the Civil Aviation Authority, assessed the company's administrative, financial, and operational management. According to the report, Congo Airways continues to face serious operational problems, despite the emergency recovery plan initiated in 2023 and reinforced in 2024. The President stressed that, without rigorous planning and strengthened governance, these issues could undermine the airline’s fleet renewal process and jeopardize the strategic interests of the state. “The situation is all the more concerning given that, in the absence of proper governance, it could compromise the renewal of the airline fleet recently acquired by the National Social Security Fund,” the meeting minutes note. President Tshisekedi also called for the state to meet its financial obligations, including outstanding taxes, to provide the company with the resources necessary for recovery. The President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and Communications, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of State Enterprises, under the supervision of the Prime Minister, to develop a realistic, rigorously structured financial recovery plan. This plan must include internal controls, regulatory compliance, audits, human resource management, and systematic reporting to the State. “These measures must underpin a profound restructuring of managerial governance, restore management discipline, strengthen executive accountability, and improve transparency,” President Tshisekedi emphasized. He also highlighted the need for a model ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term competitiveness, safeguarding the state’s strategic interests. This is not the government’s first attempt to revive Congo Airways. In 2024, a five-year business plan was proposed, including the acquisition of three A320 aircraft and measures to maintain the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and IATA accreditation. A moratorium granted by the International Air Transport Association prevented the loss of these credentials. The President warned that domestic air travel demand continues to rise, while supply remains insufficient. The underutilization of international routes has led to lost revenue for the country, despite Congo’s portfolio of over 52 international air traffic rights, many of which currently benefit foreign airlines. With these challenges, the government now faces a pivotal moment: crafting a realistic recovery plan that restores Congo Airways’ operational viability while protecting the state’s financial and strategic interests.

Faits rapportés

March 22, 2026 - The national airline, Congo Airways SA, remains in a precarious state, posing legal, financial, and reputational risks for the state as a shareholder. Despite multiple government-led recovery efforts, the airline continues to struggle with operational inefficiencies, raising concerns over rising air travel costs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During the 83rd Council of Ministers meeting held on March 20 at the African Union City complex, President Félix Tshisekedi reviewed the findings of a joint investigation launched in December 2025. The mission, comprising the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the High Council of the Portfolio, and the Civil Aviation Authority, assessed the company's administrative, financial, and operational management. According to the report, Congo Airways continues to face serious operational problems, despite the emergency recovery plan initiated in 2023 and reinforced in 2024. The President stressed that, without rigorous planning and strengthened governance, these issues could undermine the airline’s fleet renewal process and jeopardize the strategic interests of the state. “The situation is all the more concerning given that, in the absence of proper governance, it could compromise the renewal of the airline fleet recently acquired by the National Social Security Fund,” the meeting minutes note. President Tshisekedi also called for the state to meet its financial obligations, including outstanding taxes, to provide the company with the resources necessary for recovery. The President instructed the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Transport and Communications, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of State Enterprises, under the supervision of the Prime Minister, to develop a realistic, rigorously structured financial recovery plan. This plan must include internal controls, regulatory compliance, audits, human resource management, and systematic reporting to the State. “These measures must underpin a profound restructuring of managerial governance, restore management discipline, strengthen executive accountability, and improve transparency,” President Tshisekedi emphasized. He also highlighted the need for a model ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and long-term competitiveness, safeguarding the state’s strategic interests. This is not the government’s first attempt to revive Congo Airways. In 2024, a five-year business plan was proposed, including the acquisition of three A320 aircraft and measures to maintain the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and IATA accreditation. A moratorium granted by the International Air Transport Association prevented the loss of these credentials. The President warned that domestic air travel demand continues to rise, while supply remains insufficient. The underutilization of international routes has led to lost revenue for the country, despite Congo’s portfolio of over 52 international air traffic rights, many of which currently benefit foreign airlines. With these challenges, the government now faces a pivotal moment: crafting a realistic recovery plan that restores Congo Airways’ operational viability while protecting the state’s financial and strategic interests.