Kigali Airport

Kigali International Airport in Rwanda facts, map and passenger information then make a virtual video landing at Kigali Airport. Originally established as Grégoire Kayibanda International Airport after the first elected President of Rwanda (served, 1962 to 1973), its story took a sombre turn in 1994 when the country's second president, Juvénal Habyarimana together with then president of Burundi, Cyprien Ntaryamira's plane was shot down on coming into land, acting as catalytic event in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The airport was soon not just a place of departure for those who could flee the violence, but a strategic objective to secure during the chaos. Following the genocide, the airport was renamed Kanombe International Airport, after a sector within the Kicukiro District of Kigali where it is located, but by 2008 had assumed its current name of Kigali International.

Today the airport services a number of carriers that connect Rwanda to the world. At the centre of its operations is the national carrier, RwandAir. The airline has been a remarkable success story, rapidly expanding its fleet with modern aircraft and building an extensive network that punches well above its weight. From Kigali, RwandAir flies to major hubs across Africa, including Lagos, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, while its long-haul routes connect Rwanda directly to key global cities including London, Brussels, Paris, Dubai, and Mumbai. This ambitious network has been instrumental in positioning Kigali not just as a final destination, but as a convenient and reliable transit hub for passengers travelling across continents.

Beyond the home carrier, Kigali is served by a host of other prestigious international airlines. European giants like Brussels Airlines and KLM provide long-standing, direct links to the heart of Europe, facilitating trade and tourism. Turkish Airlines offers another vital connection to its massive global network via Istanbul, while Qatar Airways links Kigali to Doha, one of the world's premier transit hubs.

On a regional level, African aviation powerhouses such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways ensure seamless connectivity across the continent, reinforcing Kigali's strategic importance. This healthy mix of airlines ensures competitive pricing and a wide array of travel options for business travellers, tourists, and the Rwandan diaspora.

The growth in the airport's profile is clearly reflected in its passenger numbers. Prior to the global travel disruptions of 2020, Kigali International Airport was experiencing remarkable year-on-year growth, consistently handling close to one million passengers annually and often pushing the limits of its design capacity. This surge was fuelled by several factors: the strategic expansion of RwandAir, Rwanda's booming tourism sector, famed for gorilla trekking and its natural parks, and the country's successful promotion as a leading destination for international conferences and events (MICE). Following a swift and effective post-pandemic recovery, passenger traffic has rebounded strongly, once again highlighting the pressing need for expanded capacity and underscoring the airport's success.

Kigali Airport

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<h3>Video Landing at Kigali Airport</h3>

For travellers, the experience at Kigali International Airport is often cited as one of the most pleasant in the region. Its reputation for cleanliness, order, and safety is immediately apparent upon arrival. The terminal, though modest in size, is intelligently designed and easy to navigate. Immigration and security processes are known for their efficiency and professionalism, minimising wait times and reducing travel stress. Inside the departure lounge, passengers find a comfortable environment with modern amenities. There are several duty-free shops offering international goods alongside local Rwandan products, including the world-renowned Rwandan coffee, local textiles, and traditional crafts. Several cafes and restaurants provide refreshments, while premium travellers can relax in well-appointed lounges, such as the RwandAir Dream Lounge, which offers a quiet and luxurious space before a flight. The availability of free, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the terminal is another welcome feature for modern travellers.

If you are familiar with Rwanda, you will know that it is a litter and cleanliness 'obsessed' country which is often rare (but most welcomed) for the region of Africa. As such, bringing plastic bags into the country has been legally banned since 2008 and any plastic bags in your luggage will be confiscated at the airport. If you have bought anything inflight or at the duty free of another airport before arriving in Kigali, you'll run into similar problems however cabin crews will be able to provide the latest advice on their proper disposal.

Despite its numerous accolades and ongoing upgrades, Kigali International Airport faces a fundamental constraint: its location. Perched on a hill and increasingly surrounded by the city's urban sprawl, there is limited room for significant runway extension or terminal expansion. Recognising that the current facility's capacity will soon be outstripped by the nation's ambitions, Rwanda has embarked on one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects to date: the construction of the new Bugesera International Airport. Located about 25 kilometres southeast of Kigali, this new, state-of-the-art airport is being built in phases and is designed to handle millions of passengers and a significant volume of cargo annually. Once completed, it will transform Rwanda into a premier aviation hub for the entire continent. The new airport is set to open in 2027 or 2028 and aims to be an alternative hub to Addis Ababa. The Rwandan athorities hope that is the case as the final cost is estimated to be c. USD2 billion, pushing the national debt to its limit. Now make a virtual landing at Kigali Airport in our video above, left.

<h4>Kigali Airport Rwanda</h4>