• DR Congo plans Congo Airways overhaul after persistent operational failures

• Probe found governance, financial and compliance weaknesses at state carrier

• Tshisekedi orders realistic recovery plan with audits, transparency, stronger controls

Congolese authorities are preparing a new turnaround plan for Congo Airways SA, including a sweeping overhaul of the state carrier’s governance, according to official minutes from the Council of Ministers’ March 20 meeting.

At that session, President Félix Tshisekedi reviewed findings from a joint investigative mission conducted in December 2025 by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), the Superior Portfolio Council (CSP) and the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC). The mission examined complaints raised by a group of employees and assessed compliance, financial management and operational performance at Congo Airways.

Despite a government-backed emergency plan launched in September 2023, the airline continues to face serious operational failures that undermine any sustainable recovery, the minutes said. The situation exposes the state, as shareholder, to significant legal, financial and reputational risks.

The Council also warned that without tighter planning and stronger governance, the continued deterioration could jeopardize the fleet renewal process, particularly aircraft recently acquired by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS). Tshisekedi called for full transparency on how those aircraft were acquired, financed and capitalised within the company.

An updated plan

In response, the president instructed the deputy prime minister in charge of transport, the finance minister and the portfolio minister, under the prime minister’s supervision, to develop a revised recovery plan that is realistic and financially sound. The plan must include clear internal control mechanisms, stronger regulatory compliance, a full audit of human resources management and regular reporting to the state shareholder.

Those measures are expected to underpin a comprehensive overhaul of Congo Airways’ governance, with the aim of restoring management discipline, strengthening accountability, improving transparency in decision-making and aligning practices with international governance standards.

The reform should also establish a more effective management model based on performance, financial sustainability and operational efficiency, ensuring the airline’s long-term viability, competitiveness in the air transport market and protection of the state’s strategic interests. The minutes added that the government is expected to clear outstanding payments owed to Congo Airways so the airline can mobilize the resources needed for its recovery.

The company has already taken initial operational steps. In January 2026, Congo Airways launched a recruitment drive for nine captains, nine co-pilots and four maintenance technicians, following delivery of the first of three aircraft acquired by the CNSS.

While these steps indicate that recovery efforts are underway, the Council of Ministers’ conclusions make clear that any lasting turnaround will require a deeper overhaul of the airline’s governance, finances and operations.

Boaz Kabeya, with Bankable