The flight distance from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Des Moines, United States to Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali, Rwanda is 12,907 kilometers (8,020 miles / 6,969 nautical miles). The estimated flight time for this route is approximately 16h, flying east northeast at a heading of 68°.

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

This is an international route connecting United States with Rwanda. It is an intercontinental flight between North America and Africa. Travelers should check visa requirements, customs regulations, and any travel advisories before booking.

Time zone information: When it's 05:36 in Des Moines, it's 13:36 in Kigali. With a 8-hour time difference, travelers should plan for significant jet lag. It typically takes one day per hour of time difference to fully adjust.

There is a significant elevation difference of 3,901 feet between the two airports. Kigali International Airport sits higher than Des Moines International Airport.

The return flight from Kigali (KGL) to Des Moines (DSM) follows a heading of 316° (northwest). Actual flight times may vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used.

For more information about these airports, visit the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Kigali International Airport (KGL) detail pages, or use our flight duration calculator to compare other routes.