Air Congo launched its first sub-regional routes on Sunday, opening new services from Kinshasa to Johannesburg and Entebbe in a move that marks a new phase in the carrier’s regional expansion, according to initial report by Beto.cd.

The new connections strengthen the Democratic Republic of Congo’s air links with two important regional gateways in East and Southern Africa. They also align with Air Congo’s broader rollout of international services, which ACP reported would begin with Johannesburg and Entebbe on March 22 before extending to other African cities later in March and April.

Air Congo was created as a joint venture between the Congolese state and Ethiopian Airlines, with the DRC holding 51% and Ethiopian Airlines 49%. The partnership was presented as part of a wider plan to improve connectivity, support trade and tourism, and build aviation capacity in Central Africa.

The airline, which started operations in December 2024, initially focused on domestic services using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Its move into sub-regional routes now signals a broader ambition to expand its footprint in Africa’s increasingly competitive aviation market, with another report that more destinations are being added as part of the company’s next growth phase.