Rwanda’s new airport located in Bugesera District is expected to commence operations in the next three to four years, as confirmed by RwandAir Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Manzi Makolo.
During the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha on May 15th, Manzi Makolo emphasized that Kigali will serve as an alternative hub after Addis, particularly due to Rwanda’s central location in Africa, granting access to all points.
Makolo stated, “Construction is already underway. We are finalizing the horizontal works and will soon transition to vertical construction. We anticipate the airport to be operational between 2027 and 2028.”
During a press conference on March 12th, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, disclosed that construction progress is ongoing, and the runways are scheduled for completion by July 2024.
Minister Gasore outlined Bugesera Airport’s construction in two phases. The first phase involves ground construction works, including runways, roads, and parking areas, set to be finished by July.
The second phase will focus on infrastructure development and housing for airport users.
Construction of Bugesera International Airport began in 2017, and in 2019 Rwanda and Qatar Airways signed a partnership deal, with Qatar Airways holding a 60 percent ownership of the new airport.
The airport’s capacity is expected to accommodate a minimum of 8.2 million passengers annually, an increase from the initial plan of 4.5 million passengers per year.
The airport will have segregated areas for passenger and cargo traffic, with the cargo segment spanning 27,000 square meters. It is estimated that this area will handle 150,000 tons per year, equipped with five gates and 30 loading spots for cargo.