Have you lost something on a RwandAir flight ? Find out how to report a lost item with Rwanda’s national carrier.
About RwandAir
RwandAir is the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, founded in 2002 and operating from its hub at Kigali International Airport. The airline connects Rwanda to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East with a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. As part of Rwanda’s remarkable development story, RwandAir has grown rapidly to become a significant African carrier, promoting Kigali as an emerging aviation hub and supporting Rwanda’s tourism and business sectors.
How do you report a lost item in a RwandAir flight ?
If you’ve lost your item(s) during your journey with RwandAir, our team is here to assist you.
Lost items while travelling with RwandAir are submitted to different offices based on where they were found. You can find helpful information on this page to contact RwandAir about lost items on one of their flights. You can also complete and send in the Lost Item Report Form on our platform so that our team can assist you in locating your lost item(s).
What happens to lost property on a RwandAir flight ?
Items forgotten onboard are collected by cabin crew and cleaning staff during post-flight checks and handed over to RwandAir’s Baggage Services at Kigali International Airport or other airports across the network. Rwanda’s focus on efficiency and organization, part of its national development vision, extends to airline operations and lost property handling.
Do airlines actually look for lost items ?
Yes. RwandAir maintains Baggage Services that handle lost property found onboard aircraft. The airline coordinates with airport staff at destinations across its African, European, Asian, and Middle Eastern network to catalog and store found items. Kigali’s growing reputation for organization and cleanliness supports systematic recovery processes.
Are airlines responsible for lost items ?
RwandAir is responsible for items left onboard their aircraft, but not for items lost in airport terminal areas. If you’ve left something on the plane, report it to RwandAir’s Baggage Services immediately. For items lost at Kigali International Airport or other airports outside the aircraft, contact that specific airport’s Lost and Found service.
Can you recover lost items from an airplane ?
Yes. Providing detailed information such as the flight number, date of travel, seat location, and thorough item description significantly improves your chances. Include your booking reference and any unique identifying features of the item. RwandAir’s hub at Kigali means many items are processed through this central location.
RwandAir Baggage Services
Address : Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Rwanda
Baggage Services operate 24/7, allowing you to report lost items at any time.
For items lost on flights, contact RwandAir as soon as you realize the loss. Items are typically held at the destination airport where your flight landed, though many are processed through Kigali.
How long does RwandAir keep found property ?
Typically, items are held for 30 to 90 days depending on the type of item and airport policy. Rwandan regulations and aviation standards govern retention periods. High-value items like electronics and important documents are generally retained for the full period.
Most Commonly Lost Items on RwandAir Flights
Passengers most frequently lose the following items onboard :
- Mobile phones and chargers
- Passports and travel documents
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Wallets and money
- Headphones and earbuds
- Books and magazines
- Sunglasses and prescription glasses
- Jackets and sweaters
- Medication and personal care items
- Gorilla trekking permits and wildlife documents
- Rwandan coffee purchases
- Business materials and laptops
Tips to Prevent Losing Items on Your RwandAir Flight
To minimize the risk of leaving items behind :
- Do a final seat check before disembarking – check seat pockets, under seats, overhead bins
- Keep valuables in one designated bag compartment throughout the flight
- Set a phone reminder to check your seat area before landing
- Track gorilla trekking permits and important wildlife documents carefully
- Camera equipment after gorilla tours – verify all items present
- Rwandan coffee and handicraft purchases – count shopping bags
- Don’t place important documents in seat pockets
Statistics show that most items are left behind during disembarkation. Taking time for a systematic check prevents loss.
What to do if you’ve left something on a plane ?
If you realize you’ve left something on your RwandAir flight :
Immediate Actions :
- Contact RwandAir Baggage Services immediately (24/7 availability)
- If still at Kigali or another airport, visit RwandAir’s desk before leaving
- Provide booking reference, flight number, date, and seat number
- Give detailed item description
- Get a reference number for tracking
Follow-Up Steps :
- Call back daily for the first few days
- Items processed through Kigali for many flights
- Rwanda’s organized systems usually mean efficient processing
- Keep boarding pass and booking confirmation
- Consider time zone (Rwanda is GMT+2)
Claiming Your Lost Property
If your item is found, you will be contacted with instructions. Items are held at the destination airport or at Kigali. You may collect in person or arrange courier delivery. Bring valid photo ID and reference number.
International courier delivery available but logistics vary. African destinations may have varying shipping capabilities. European and Middle Eastern delivery more straightforward. Consider if you have contacts in Rwanda who could assist.
Lost Luggage or Item Left on the Plane ?
For different types of losses :
- Checked Baggage Issues – Report immediately to RwandAir’s baggage desk at arrival
- Items Lost at Kigali Airport – Contact Kigali International Airport Lost and Found
- Items Left on Aircraft – Contact RwandAir Baggage Services 24/7
- Gorilla Permits – Report immediately if lost; these are time-sensitive and valuable
RwandAir’s 24/7 Baggage Services and Rwanda’s focus on efficiency and organization typically provide reliable lost property support, reflecting the country’s broader development vision.
If you have lost one or several item(s), you will find information on how to contact a lost and found property service on this page. Contact information following the loss of an item
Name : RwandAir Baggage Services 
Address : Kigali International Airport
Kigali
Rwanda 
Phone number : 250 252 588 000 
Opening hours : 24/7 
Website : https://www.rwandair.com/baggage/lost-baggage
List of the main items found
- Lost Personal Items : Keys, ID, Passport, Wallet, Documents, Badge, Licence (...)
- Lost Electronics : Phone, Tablet, Device charger, Camera, Laptop, Headphones (...)
- Lost Accessories : Purse, Bag, Backpack, Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Jewellery (...)
- Lost Clothing : Gloves, Cap, Hat, Scarf, Sweater, Coat, Vest (...)