Airports in Rwanda
Airports and airstrips
| Airport | District | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kigali International | Kicukiro (Kanombe) | International airport |
| Kamembe International | Rusizi | Airport, served by turboprop aircraft |
| Gisenyi | Rubavu | Airport |
| Ruhengeri | Musanze | Airstrip |
| Butare | Huye | Airstrip |
| Nemba | Bugesera | Airstrip |
Rwanda’s airports
The new Bugesera airport
- Where: in Bugesera district, Eastern Province, about 40 km from Kigali.
- Size: a 130,000 m² passenger terminal for 8 million passengers a year, later more than 14 million, and a cargo terminal for 150,000 tonnes a year.
- Opening: now expected in 2028; the date was earlier 2026.
- Cost: about USD 2 billion. Earlier estimates, including the US State Department’s, gave USD 2.6 billion.
- Road: an 11.6 km expressway from Karumuna is being built to link the airport with Kigali.
Land around the airport
- Airport City: a company has been set up to develop the Airport City around the airport, with its own chief executive.
- Land-use plans: the National Land Authority is preparing detailed plans for a 5 km radius around the airport, due by the end of December 2026, covering Rilima, Mwogo, Juru and parts of Mayange and Nyamata.
- Permits: building permits are frozen inside the airport boundary; buyers should check a plot against the new plans before they buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many airports does Rwanda have?
Three, Kigali International, Kamembe and Gisenyi, and three airstrips, all run by the Rwanda Airports Company.
Where is the new airport?
In Bugesera, about 40 km from Kigali. Opening is expected in 2028.
How large will Bugesera airport be?
8 million passengers a year at first and more than 14 million later, with 150,000 tonnes of cargo a year.
Sources
- Rwanda Airports Company: Airports
- allAfrica (The New Times): What next for landowners as Bugesera Airport City takes shape?
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information. Figures come from the sources listed.
