Royal Airways has launched a direct flight between N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, and Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. The inaugural flight took place on October 7, 2026, at Hassan Djamouss International Airport, in the presence of transport officials and diplomats. This direct flight is a long-awaited development that is expected to boost economic ties, human exchanges, and regional integration in Central Africa.
The director-general of Royal Airways, Abderrahmane Moussa Siro, described the new route as a strategic bridge between Chad and the Central African Republic, generating employment, freight, tourism, business, and public revenue. He emphasized that each flight will contribute to dynamizing exchanges between the two countries. The launch of this route fulfills a long-held aspiration of the two nations.
The Central African Republic's ambassador to Chad, Jean-Bertrand Léopold Biamba, expressed his relief at the inauguration of the direct flight, describing it as an "ouf de soulagement". He recalled that the launch of this route implements a bilateral air agreement signed on October 31, 2007, and a reflection initiated during the mixed commission in October 2024. It took nearly twenty years for the agreement to materialize.
The Secretary General of Chad's Ministry of Transport, Dihoulné Laurent, officially opened the route, representing the Minister of Transport. He welcomed the initiative of a private sector capable of investing in structuring projects and highlighted the modernity of Royal Airways' fleet, including its ATR aircraft. However, he set clear expectations: regularity of flights, safety, and quality of service.
The direct flight between N'Djamena and Bangui is expected to save time and facilitate exchanges for traders, families separated by the border, business travelers, and economic operators. For the two states, this route represents a lever for commerce, air freight, and institutional cooperation. At the sub-regional level, this development signals a better-connected Central Africa, where air mobility remains a determining factor for development.
The launch of this direct flight is a significant milestone in the aviation sector in Central Africa. The connection between N'Djamena and Bangui is poised to strengthen economic ties between Chad and the Central African Republic. This development aligns with efforts to enhance regional integration and cooperation in the region.
The new direct flight is set to have a positive impact on the economies of both Chad and the Central African Republic. With increased connectivity, the two countries can expect growth in trade, tourism, and investment. The successful launch of this route demonstrates the potential for private sector investment in the aviation industry to drive economic development in the region.
Key points
- Royal Airways launches direct flight between N'Djamena and Bangui, boosting economic ties and regional integration.
- The direct flight is expected to generate employment, freight, tourism, business, and public revenue for both Chad and the Central African Republic.
- The launch of this route fulfills a long-held aspiration of the two nations, dating back to a bilateral air agreement signed in 2007.
