Bugesera Airport: President Kagame is Building Africa's Biggest Aviation Gateway

By Jarc Tusiime 

 

KIGALI, Rwanda – Rwanda is accelerating construction of the ambitious Bugesera International Airport, a project valued at approximately US$2 billion, as President Paul Kagame seeks to transform the country into a major aviation hub in Africa.

 

Located about 25 kilometres south of Kigali, the new airport is being developed in partnership with Qatar Airways, which holds a 60 percent stake in the project. The airport is expected to become operational in 2028 after several construction delays.

 

The first phase of the airport will have the capacity to handle approximately 7 million passengers annually, while the second phase, scheduled for completion by 2032, will increase capacity to 14 million passengers per year. The facility will also include a cargo terminal capable of handling 150,000 tonnes of freight annually and a 4.2-kilometre runway designed to accommodate large commercial aircraft.

 

Officials say the project will significantly expand Rwanda's aviation sector, replacing the capacity-constrained Kigali International Airport and supporting the growth of national carrier RwandAir. The airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, logistics, and employment opportunities across the country.

 

While Bugesera is among Africa's most ambitious airport projects, it is not expected to be the continent's largest by passenger capacity. Ethiopia is currently developing the planned Bishoftu International Airport, which is projected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually once completed.

 

Nevertheless, Rwanda's investment underscores President Kagame's vision of positioning the country as a strategic gateway for business and travel in East and Central Africa.