The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is launching a major restructuring of its national carrier, Congo Airways, following persistent operational failures that have raised legal, financial, and reputational concerns for the state.
President Félix Tshisekedi has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of the airline’s governance and the implementation of a financially disciplined recovery plan, according to official minutes from the 83rd ordinary Cabinet meeting held on March 20.
The decision follows the findings of a joint investigation conducted in December 2025 by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the State Portfolio Supervisory Board (CSP), and the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). The inquiry examined allegations raised by a group of company employees and assessed the regularity, compliance, and performance of Congo Airways’ administrative, financial, and operational management.
The official report highlighted “serious dysfunctions” within the airline, despite an emergency recovery plan financed in September 2023. These issues, the report stated, compromise any effective and sustainable turnaround and expose the Congolese state, as shareholder, to significant risks.
Authorities warned that weak governance and inadequate planning could jeopardize the fleet renewal process, which includes aircraft recently acquired by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). The report called for full transparency regarding the acquisition, financing, and capitalization of these planes.
In response, President Tshisekedi instructed the Deputy Prime Minister for Transport, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of State Portfolio to draft an updated recovery plan under the oversight of the Prime Minister. The plan is to be realistic, closely supervised, and include clear internal control mechanisms, regulatory compliance frameworks, and a comprehensive audit of human resources.
“Congo Airways’ management governance must undergo a deep restructuring to restore discipline, strengthen accountability, improve transparency, and align internal practices with good governance standards,” the Cabinet report stated.
The proposed reforms aim to define an optimal management model based on performance, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency. Authorities emphasized that the airline’s long-term viability and competitiveness in the regional air transport market are critical to safeguarding the strategic interests of the state shareholder.
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The report further stressed that the Congolese state must settle outstanding financial obligations to Congo Airways to enable the company to mobilize resources for recovery.
Congo Airways has already initiated operational preparations. In January 2026, the airline launched recruitment for nine captains, nine first officers, and four maintenance technicians following the delivery of the first of three aircraft acquired by the CNSS.
These measures signal that the airline’s revival remains a priority. However, officials noted that a sustainable turnaround will require a deeper overhaul of governance, finances, and operational structures.
Congo Airways, launched in 2010, has faced repeated challenges including delays, flight cancellations, and financial instability. The government’s renewed intervention underscores the strategic importance of a viable national carrier for both domestic and regional connectivity.
“Restoring Congo Airways to operational and financial health is essential not only for the airline but also for the credibility of state-managed enterprises,” the Cabinet report concluded.
As DR Congo seeks to revamp its national airline, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether the planned governance reforms and recovery strategies can overcome years of mismanagement and position Congo Airways for sustainable growth in the competitive African aviation sector.
