The Bugesera International Airport, located about 40 kilometres south of Kigali, is making significant strides in its construction, with ground-level facilities and infrastructure now reported to be 85% complete. Managed by Aviation Travel and Logistics (ATL), a government-owned entity, the airport is envisioned as a pivotal hub for aviation in Africa, with an estimated investment of over $2 billion.
Currently, the groundwork includes essential components such as substations, taxiways, runways, drainage systems, earthwork platforms, aircraft parking areas, connecting taxiways, and internal service roads. The CEO of ATL, Jules Ndenga, indicated that the next phase of construction, which encompasses the passenger terminal, cargo terminal, air traffic control tower, and various administrative buildings, is set to begin shortly, with contracts expected to be awarded in July 2024.
Originally slated for completion in 2026, the timeline has been adjusted, and the airport is now anticipated to become operational in 2028. This delay is attributed to the complexities involved in construction and the need for subsequent training of staff, testing, and obtaining aerodrome certification.
The decision to construct Bugesera International Airport rather than expand the existing Kigali International Airport stems from several logistical and strategic considerations. Kigali International Airport, while functional, is constrained by its geographical location atop a hill and surrounded by urban settlements, limiting its capacity for expansion. The new airport is designed to accommodate a significantly larger volume of passengers—initially handling 8 million annually, with future capacity projected to exceed 14 million.
This strategic move aims to position Rwanda as a central hub for air travel in Africa, facilitating easier connections within the continent and beyond. The new airport will also feature a dedicated cargo terminal capable of handling 150,000 tons of cargo per year, which is crucial for boosting Rwanda’s trade and economic activities.
The substantial investment of over $2 billion is justified by Rwanda’s ambitious vision of becoming a key player in the African aviation sector. The airport is expected to create between 1,800 and 2,000 jobs during its construction phase, contributing to local economic development. Furthermore, the airport is designed to be a model of sustainability, with plans to achieve LEED Silver Certification, showcasing Rwanda’s commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure.
PRAU Honors Uganda’s Top Innovators at 9th Excellence AwardsQatar Airways, which holds a 60% stake in the airport, is also set to acquire 49% of shares in RwandAir, the national carrier. This partnership is expected to enhance connectivity and provide RwandAir with access to a broader network of destinations, thereby increasing the attractiveness of Rwanda as a transit point for travellers and businesses alike.
The establishment of Bugesera International Airport is particularly significant in the context of Africa’s aviation challenges. Despite having 16.75% of the world’s population, the continent accounts for less than 4% of the global air market. The fragmented nature of air travel routes often forces passengers to transit through Europe or the Middle East, making travel within Africa cumbersome and expensive.
RwandAir’s CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, emphasized that improving connectivity is vital for the continent’s aviation industry. The new airport aims to alleviate some of these connectivity issues by offering a modern facility that can serve as a regional hub, complementing existing airports in Addis Ababa and elsewhere.
The implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) is another critical step toward addressing these challenges. This initiative seeks to create a unified market for African aviation, allowing for the free movement of people and goods across the continent. However, as of now, only 35 of the 55 African states have signed up for SAATM, highlighting the ongoing need for collaboration and commitment among African nations to enhance aviation connectivity.
