Rwandan exporters hit as Middle East conflict disrupts air travel, trade

Following U.S. strikes in Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, airlines suspended numerous flights to destinations including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates because of security concerns. More than 21,000 flights to and from the Middle East were canceled in early March, while Dubai International Airport halted about 85% of its regional operations.

The disruptions also affected RwandAir, Rwanda’s national carrier, which serves as a key transport link for exporters shipping goods to the Gulf region.

According to Rwanda’s association of fruit and vegetable exporters, roughly 80% of members have suspended operations since the conflict began.

Exporters who supply produce to markets in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other Gulf cities were among the hardest hit. Fresh fruits and vegetables are typically transported by air, with RwandAir playing a central role in moving cargo from Rwanda to the region.

Robert Rukundo, head of the association of Rwandan fruit and vegetable exporters to international markets, said the suspension of flights and disruptions to maritime shipping created major challenges for businesses.

“Nothing was moving. Trade became very difficult, and businesses had to look for alternatives, which increased costs,” Rukundo said.

He said some exporters redirected produce to neighboring countries or local processing industries, but many were unable to find alternative markets and halted operations altogether.

Rukundo added that reduced travel to major Gulf hubs such as Dubai weakened demand and further strained exporters already facing transportation challenges.