Congo DRC
Risk Level: Two - Danger exists
[ about risk levels ]
Oct 2026: Fighting continues between Congolese forces and AFC/M23 rebels in North Kivu around FZNA/Goma, near the Rwandan border. AFC (Congo River Alliance) is a rebel alliance that includes the M23 movement, and the front line remains unpredictable.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Africa Airspace Risk: Jet Shot in Rwanda - 2023
The primary risk is anti-aircraft fire and other military activity in eastern DRC, particularly at low altitude and near airports in conflict areas. The UK advises operators to avoid an area within 200 NM of the eastern boundary of the FZZA/Kinshasa FIR, between 1°N and 5°S. Canada recommends that its operators remain at or above FL260 in a defined area near the Rwanda and Burundi borders.
Major events:
Feb 2026: The AFC/M23 rebel coalition claimed an explosive-drone attack targeting FZIC/Kisangani, showing its reach extends beyond North Kivu/Goma.
Jan 2025: M23 rebel forces took control of Goma during heavy fighting, and FZNA/Goma closed.
Feb 2024: A drone attack damaged a parked military aircraft at FZNA/Goma. The aircraft appeared to be the target.
Jan 2023: Rwanda fired on a DRC fighter near Goma, saying it had entered Rwandan airspace. The damaged aircraft landed at FZNA/Goma.
See OPSGROUP Briefing: Africa Airspace Risk: Jet Shot in Rwanda - 2023
The primary risk is anti-aircraft fire and other military activity in eastern DRC, particularly at low altitude and near airports in conflict areas. The UK advises operators to avoid an area within 200 NM of the eastern boundary of the FZZA/Kinshasa FIR, between 1°N and 5°S. Canada recommends that its operators remain at or above FL260 in a defined area near the Rwanda and Burundi borders.
Major events:
Feb 2026: The AFC/M23 rebel coalition claimed an explosive-drone attack targeting FZIC/Kisangani, showing its reach extends beyond North Kivu/Goma.
Jan 2025: M23 rebel forces took control of Goma during heavy fighting, and FZNA/Goma closed.
Feb 2024: A drone attack damaged a parked military aircraft at FZNA/Goma. The aircraft appeared to be the target.
Jan 2023: Rwanda fired on a DRC fighter near Goma, saying it had entered Rwandan airspace. The damaged aircraft landed at FZNA/Goma.
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5) | 16 Apr 2026 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 17/26 | 25 Jul 2025 | Ongoing |
Source: UK
Reference: UK AIP ENR 1.1 (1.4.5)
Issued: 16-Apr-26, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: UK operators are recommended not to enter FZZA/Kinshasa FIR within 200 NM of the eastern boundary, between the 1st parallel north and the 5th parallel south, due to potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Security - Hazardous Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
UK civil air operators are recommended not to enter FIR KINSHASA (FZZA) within 200 NM of the eastern boundary, between the 1st parallel north and the 5th parallel south. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
UK civil air operators are recommended not to enter FIR KINSHASA (FZZA) within 200 NM of the eastern boundary, between the 1st parallel north and the 5th parallel south. Potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 17/26
Issued: 25-Jul-25, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators should not enter an easterly portion of DROC airspace (the FZZA/Kinshasa FIR) near the Rwanda/Burundi borders below FL260 due to the potential risk from anti-aircraft weaponry.
Level 2 (Recommendation)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are recommended to maintain a flight level equal to or above FL260 within the area bounded by 010000N 0302800E - 010000N 0253000E - 050000S 0253000E - 050000S 0292200E in FIR Kinshasa (FZZA). Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry.
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are recommended to maintain a flight level equal to or above FL260 within the area bounded by 010000N 0302800E - 010000N 0253000E - 050000S 0253000E - 050000S 0292200E in FIR Kinshasa (FZZA). Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry.