Ikar
A low-cost airline from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, operating domestic links and a regional service to Johannesburg with a mixed fleet.
About Ikar
Ikar is a low-cost airline associated with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and identified by the IATA code EO and ICAO code ALX. Public information about its founding date, ownership structure and current corporate identity is limited, so travellers should confirm the operating carrier shown on their ticket. Its published web presence has also been associated with Hewa Bora Airways, reflecting a complicated and not always clearly documented commercial history.
Kinshasa is the airline’s busiest departure point, followed by Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani and Kananga. The network comprises 21 routes serving exactly 10 destinations across two countries. Most services connect important Congolese cities, including Goma, Gemena, Kolwezi and Mbandaka, while the principal international link is between Lubumbashi and Johannesburg in South Africa.
Aircraft types associated with Ikar’s operations include the wide-body Boeing 767-200, the Boeing/McDonnell Douglas MD-82 and the smaller Let 410 Turbolet. This mixed fleet can support routes with markedly different demand and airport requirements, from major intercity sectors to thinner domestic links. Cabin layouts and onboard service standards may vary substantially by aircraft, and dependable public details about fare classes, seat selection and included catering are limited.
Ikar is not known to belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. There is also no confidently documented proprietary frequent-flyer programme for the airline. Travellers seeking mileage credit or reciprocal benefits should therefore not assume that alliance privileges, lounge access or status recognition will apply, and should check directly with the airline or ticket issuer before purchasing.
A practical strength of the network is its coverage of several economically and administratively important cities within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where surface journeys can be lengthy. The main challenge is the scarcity of consistent, current public information about schedules, booking conditions and onboard products. Passengers should reconfirm flights, baggage terms and check-in arrangements close to departure, particularly when travelling on domestic connections.
Good to know
Flying with Ikar — what to expect
Reconfirm Your Flight
Schedules and operating details may not be consistently available online. Reconfirm the departure time and operating carrier with the airline or ticket issuer shortly before travel.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage inclusions can depend on the fare, route and aircraft. Obtain written confirmation of both cabin and checked-baggage allowances before arriving at the airport.
Mixed Aircraft Fleet
The recorded fleet ranges from the Let 410 Turbolet to the MD-82 and Boeing 767-200. Cabin space, seat configuration and onboard amenities can therefore differ considerably between flights.
Allow Connection Time
Passengers connecting through Kinshasa or another Congolese airport should leave a generous buffer. Separate tickets may require baggage collection and a new check-in.
Limited Loyalty Benefits
Ikar is not known to participate in a global airline alliance or maintain a clearly documented frequent-flyer programme. Do not assume that another airline’s status benefits or mileage earning will apply.
Network overview
Where Ikar flies
Ikar operates 21 routes to 10 destinations across 2 countries, its longest sector reaching Lubumbashi to Johannesburg (1,619 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Ikar flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Lubumbashi → Johannesburg
1,619 km · FBM → JNB
The longest sector in the Ikar network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Ikar
Notable destinations on Ikar's network.
EOKinshasadirectEOLubumbashidirectEOMbuji-MayidirectEOKanangadirectEOKisanganidirectEOGemenadirectEOGomadirectEOJohannesburgdirectEOKolwezidirectEOMbandakadirectDestination list is indicative of Ikar's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Democratic Republic of the Congo
Other airlines based in Democratic Republic of the Congo
FAQ
Ikar — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- A reliable current carry-on size limit is not clearly published. Confirm the permitted dimensions and weight with Ikar or the ticket issuer, as restrictions may vary by aircraft and fare.
- Kinshasa is Ikar’s busiest departure hub. Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani and Kananga are also important operating points.
- Ikar serves exactly 10 destinations across two countries, operating 21 routes.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Fares are generally easier to find at lower prices when booked ahead and outside major holidays or peak travel periods. Compare flexible dates and verify what baggage or other services are included.
- The busiest departure points are Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani and Kananga, in that order by number of routes.
- Ikar’s longest route is the nonstop service from Lubumbashi to Johannesburg, covering about 1,619 km.
- Ikar serves Congolese cities including Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kananga, Kisangani, Gemena, Goma, Kolwezi and Mbandaka. Its network also includes Johannesburg in South Africa.