Brussels Airlines has announced the cancellation of two flights to and from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing the “current events” and a “tense situation” in the city.
The decision impacts Wednesday’s scheduled flight to Kinshasa, as well as the return flight that was expected to land in Brussels on Thursday morning.
The airline made the announcement late Tuesday, outlining that the cancellations were in response to the growing instability in the region, including violent protests and escalating conflict in the eastern part of the DRC.
Brussels Airlines emphasized its commitment to passenger and staff safety, stating it would carefully review the security situation before resuming operations to Kinshasa.
“We are continuously monitoring the situation and are working closely with authorities,” a spokesperson for the airline said. “The safety and security of our passengers and crew are always our highest priority, and we are doing everything we can to assist affected travelers.”
The airline also assured passengers that its team is actively informing them of the changes and providing alternative solutions where possible.
The situation in Kinshasa has worsened dramatically in recent days. On Tuesday, protesters targeted several embassies, including the Belgian Embassy, in response to recent military offensives by M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda.
The rebels have been fighting government forces in the eastern DRC since late last year, causing widespread displacement of civilians.
The violence has intensified in recent weeks, with more than 500,000 people forced to flee their homes since January.
The rebels captured the city of Goma on Sunday, and by Tuesday evening, it appeared that they still maintained control over this key city in the eastern DRC.
Goma is one of the largest and most vital urban centers in the region, with strategic importance due to its proximity to Rwanda and Uganda.
In light of the worsening security situation, the United States Embassy in Kinshasa also issued a warning for U.S. citizens, urging them to leave the DRC as soon as possible.
“The situation remains unstable, and the security environment could deteriorate further,” the embassy’s statement read.
Belgium’s Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin addressed the growing concerns on Tuesday, confirming that the Belgian Embassy in Kinshasa was actively communicating with Belgian nationals in the area.
He advised Belgians to remain indoors and follow the embassy’s instructions to ensure their safety during the unfolding crisis.
The escalating conflict and rising tensions have drawn international concern, with multiple countries reassessing their diplomatic and security operations in the DRC.
As Brussels Airlines takes precautionary measures to safeguard its operations, the airline, along with governments worldwide, remains vigilant as the situation continues to develop.
The company has assured travelers that it is exploring alternative routes and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.
The uncertainty surrounding the conflict has left many passengers stranded, while the airline remains committed to resuming service when it is deemed safe.