Francis Maina Mararo – Department of Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics, School of Social Sciences, Mount Kigali University

Festus Irungu – Department of Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics, School of Social Sciences, Mount Kigali University

Email: Umugwanezamylene8@gmail.com

Abstract: The study intended to assess the role of bilateral aviation partnerships on diplomatic enhancement in Rwanda, with particular reference to the RwandAir-Qatar Airways Partnerships. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was adopted, combining structured questionnaires administered to 127 respondents from RwandAir, Qatar Airways, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, and Kigali International Airport, with 18 key informant interviews. Soft Power Theory and Network Theory provided the theoretical framework. Quantitative analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between bilateral aviation partnerships and diplomatic enhancement (R = 0.882; R² = 0.778; β = 0.882; p < 0.001), with the partnership explaining approximately 77.8% of the variation in Rwanda’s diplomatic outcomes. Spearman correlation coefficients (0.74–0.81) confirmed consistently strong associations across all dimensions. Qualitative findings corroborated these results, highlighting improved participation in high-level forums, stronger institutional cooperation, and enhanced bilateral communication between Rwanda and Qatar. Bilateral aviation partnerships function as strategic diplomatic instruments that advance national visibility, foreign policy implementation, and alliance formation. The study recommends institutionalizing aviation diplomacy within Rwanda’s foreign policy frameworks, strengthening partnership impact monitoring, and expanding strategic airline partnerships to broaden global connectivity and diplomatic reach.