Kigali International Airport, also known as Kanombe International Airport, is the primary airport serving Kigali, the capital of Rwanda – while this airport has served its function and has ushered millions through its terminals, a new airport is in the process of being built about 40 kilometers south of Kigali.
Heavy construction machinery can be seen on the site of the new airport as crews are hard at work building the airport which has some impressive specs. It is slated to be complete in 2026 and will have an impressive 130,000 square metre main terminal building. This terminal is expected to accommodate 8 million passengers yearly and will likely increase to 14 million in the coming decades. This site will also have a cargo terminal close by that will be able to handle 150,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
African Aviation is Taking Off
African aviation is gaining altitude and major gains are being made across the continent. Passenger numbers are increasing and more airports are being built in several countries.
The expansion of Kigali International Airport is a major development for Rwanda. It will help to boost the country’s economy by making it easier for businesses to import and export goods. It will also make it easier for tourists to visit Rwanda. Qatar Airways will have a 60% stake in this project and it will acquire a 49% stake in Rwandair which will expand its outreach to some 65 countries across the globe – this is big for Rwanda. Rwanda is already becoming one of the leading countries in aviation in Africa, the airlines and airports get great reviews from travelers.
The airport is also expected to create jobs and boost economic growth in the surrounding area. We are excited to see what else touches down with this new big development.
