The Congolese government has announced an ambitious recovery plan to save Congo Airways, the national airline which has been in turmoil for years.
According to an official statement, this project will be accompanied by strengthened mechanisms for internal control, regulatory compliance, in-depth audits, human resources management and regular reporting to the shareholder state.
An expert report conducted in late 2024 by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the High Council for the Portfolio, and the Civil Aviation Authority revealed critical deficiencies exposing the State to significant legal, financial, and reputational risks. The experts recommended that the State settle its debts to the company, particularly by paying the outstanding fees, to enable it to mobilize the resources necessary for its recovery.
Founded in 2015 with four aircraft, Congo Airways currently owns no operational planes, according to multiple sources. On December 24, 2025, the airline celebrated the arrival of a new Embraer E-190 (registered 2-RLCA), acquired through a partnership with the National Social Security Fund. However, faced with the grounding of its fleet, Congo Airways has had to resort to leasing aircraft, a costly and unsustainable solution.
The government promises a complete overhaul of governance and an injection of capital, but the success of the plan will depend on its ability to correct structural flaws and restore the confidence of partners.
