Rwandan planes banned from DR Congo airspace: RwandAir

The Democratic Republic of Congo has closed its airspace to aircraft registered in Rwanda, national carrier RwandAir said on Wednesday, as conflict in the eastern DRC escalates.

The Rwandan-backed  M23 armed group seized control of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, in late January before advancing into neighbouring South Kivu.

The offensive has further strained already frayed ties between the two countries, stoking fears that other neighbouring countries may be drawn into a wider regional conflict.

"Due to the closure of DR Congo airspace to Rwanda registered aircraft, RwandAir has re-routed affected flight paths," the company said in a statement.

"We are working to provide the safest and most efficient alternatives while minimising inconvenience to our passengers."

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According to its website, RwandAir mainly serves African destinations such as Johannesburg, Entebbe, Addis Ababa and Nairobi, as well as Brussels, London, Paris, Dubai and Doha.