Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, has revealed that construction at Bugesera airport is progressing well, with the runway used for takeoffs and landings scheduled for completion in July 2024.
Construction on the proposed international airport in Bugesera began in 2017, and in 2019 Rwanda and Qatar Airways signed a partnership deal, with Qatar Airways owning 60 percent of the new airport.
In a press conference on March 12th, Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore stated that construction is ongoing and the runways will be completed in July of this year.
According to Minister Gasore, Bugesera airport was divided into two phases. The first phase includes ground construction works such as runways, roads, and parking areas, and is set to be completed in July.
The second phase will involve building infrastructure and housing for airport users.
The first phase of the airport is expected to be completed before 2026, with a capacity to handle at least 8.2 million passengers per year, an increase from the initial plan of 4.5 million passengers per year.
The airport will have separate sections for passenger and cargo traffic, with the cargo area covering 27,000 square meters. It is estimated that this area will be able to handle 150,000 tons per year, with five gates and 30 loading spots for cargo.