Bugesera International Airport in Rwanda reinforces Rwanda's ambition to become a regional aviation hub.

Written by: Mohammed Omran

Bugesera International Airport is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in RwandaTo date, the project is 25 to 30% complete, with all foundational works including runways, internal roads and drainage systems to be completed by the end of 2024.

Continued progress in the construction of the massive Bugesera International Airport

Construction work has now moved into the vertical phase, with teams working on building the main 130,000 square meter passenger terminal, cargo facilities, and other installations.

The project began in 2017, but delays due to planning changes, funding challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed the expected opening date to 2027-2028.

The Rwandan government's allocation of 699.4 billion Rwandan francs in the 2025/2026 budget demonstrates a strong national commitment to completing the project.

The airport is a joint venture between Rwanda and Qatar, with Qatar Airways owning a 60% stake in the $2 billion project.

It was designed according to international standards with green building concepts, and in its first phase it will handle 7 to 8 million passengers annually and 150,000 tons of goods annually, with plans to expand to 14 million passengers by 2032.

The project received a major funding boost in July 2025 when ATIDI agreed to provide an $84 million counter-guarantee, making more than $322 million available for construction financing.

The project also creates an economic impact, and is expected to provide more than 6,000 jobs during the construction phase alone.

In addition to its size, Bugesera International Airport is a pivotal part of Rwanda’s “Vision 2050” strategy to transform into an upper-middle-income country by 2035.

Kigali International Airport, when operational, will complement and help make Rwanda a regional aviation hub, boosting tourism, trade and business connectivity.

By adding capacity and modern facilities, the airport will boost Rwanda’s growing aviation industry and support economic development throughout East Africa.

Its continued progress today indicates that the country’s goal of becoming a gateway to the region is on the right track.