List of Airports in Rwanda
As of 2024, there are 5 airports throughout the country of Rwanda according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Rwanda are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Rwanda
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butare Airport | BTQ | Butare | Small |
| 2 | Gisenyi Airport | GYI | Gisenyi | Small |
| 3 | Gregoire Kayibanda Airport | KGL | Kigali | Medium |
| 4 | Kamembe Airport | KME | Kamembe | Small |
| 5 | Ruhengeri Airport | RHG | Ruhengeri | Small |
Major Airports in Rwanda
1. Kigali International Airport (KGL)
Airport Code: KGL
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Rwanda
Nearby Cities:
- Kigali (Capital) – 6 miles (10 km)
- Nyamata – 16 miles (25 km)
- Rwamagana – 35 miles (56 km)
- Rubavu – 103 miles (165 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- RwandAir
- KLM
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Kenya Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: 600,000 (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the primary international gateway to Rwanda, located just 6 miles from Kigali, the capital city. Opened in 1967, the airport has been a key transport hub for both the region and the country. Over the years, it has seen multiple phases of expansion to accommodate the growing number of passengers and aircraft. Kigali Airport has undergone significant modernization, including terminal upgrades and runway improvements, especially as Rwanda’s tourism industry and international trade have expanded.
The airport plays a central role in Rwanda’s aviation and logistics sectors, connecting the country with key cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Kigali International is also home to the national carrier, RwandAir, which has rapidly expanded its network to include destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Rwanda’s push for economic growth, coupled with its emphasis on tourism, has driven investments in upgrading the airport’s facilities, positioning it as one of the leading airports in the region.
In 2016, Rwanda invested in the airport’s modernization, including a new terminal, baggage handling systems, and improved passenger amenities. Kigali Airport is a vital part of Rwanda’s efforts to position itself as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and business.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Kigali International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 08/26: 9,843 feet (3,000 meters)
The runway is capable of handling a range of aircraft, including wide-body jets such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making it suitable for long-haul international flights. The airport’s terminal is modern and houses various amenities, including duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and a VIP section for high-level officials. Ground transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and car rentals, are readily available to connect passengers to Kigali and beyond.
Kigali Airport’s terminal has been expanded to accommodate growing passenger traffic. It now features improved check-in facilities, increased seating capacity in waiting areas, and advanced security screening systems. The airport is also being equipped with infrastructure to support increasing cargo volumes. Rwanda’s strategic location and ongoing development of Kigali Airport are expected to bolster its role as a key hub for regional and international aviation.
2. Kamembe International Airport (KME)
Airport Code: KME
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Kamembe International Airport, Rusizi, Rwanda
Nearby Cities:
- Rusizi – 6 miles (10 km)
- Cyangugu – 9 miles (14 km)
- Kibuye – 52 miles (84 km)
- Bukavu (DR Congo) – 62 miles (100 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- RwandAir
- Congo Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: 60,000 (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Kamembe International Airport (KME) is located in the western province of Rwanda, in the city of Rusizi. The airport lies near Lake Kivu and close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it an important gateway for travelers from both countries. Originally a small regional airstrip, Kamembe Airport was upgraded to international status in the 1990s to facilitate greater regional connectivity. The airport serves both domestic and regional international flights, especially to Kigali, Bujumbura (Burundi), and other East African cities.
Kamembe is particularly important for Rwandan citizens and international travelers visiting the western region, including tourists heading to Lake Kivu. The airport also serves as an entry point for cross-border trade and business between Rwanda and the DRC. The development of Kamembe Airport is part of Rwanda’s broader infrastructure strategy, which aims to improve connectivity across the country and the region.
In recent years, Kamembe has seen improvements in its facilities, including a new terminal and updated runway, making it more accessible for larger aircraft. However, due to its location in a smaller city, the airport does not handle the same volume of passengers as Kigali International.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Kamembe Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 09/27: 6,500 feet (1,981 meters)
The runway at Kamembe is adequate for handling small to medium-sized aircraft, including regional jets and turboprops. It is not capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft, which limits its ability to service long-haul international flights. However, the airport’s terminal has been upgraded to handle an increasing number of passengers, offering basic amenities such as lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Kamembe is also equipped with essential ground services, including baggage handling and taxi services. While the airport serves fewer passengers than Kigali International, it is an important link for the western part of the country and the neighboring DRC. With further investments in infrastructure and increased regional tourism, Kamembe’s role as a regional hub is expected to grow.
3. Bugesera International Airport (N/A – Under Construction)
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Bugesera District, Kigali, Rwanda
Nearby Cities:
- Kigali – 25 miles (40 km)
- Nyamata – 6 miles (10 km)
- Rwamagana – 20 miles (32 km)
- Gisenyi – 108 miles (174 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- RwandAir (expected upon completion)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Expected to handle 1 million (target capacity)
Airport Location and History:
Bugesera International Airport is a major infrastructure project currently under construction in Rwanda, located approximately 25 miles southeast of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The project is part of Rwanda’s long-term strategy to boost tourism, trade, and regional connectivity. Bugesera Airport is being designed to relieve pressure on Kigali International Airport and provide additional capacity for the growing air travel demands in Rwanda and East Africa.
The airport is strategically located close to Kigali but also serves as an important gateway for the southern regions of Rwanda, including Nyamata, Bugesera, and areas bordering Tanzania. Upon completion, Bugesera is expected to become a modern international airport that will handle both passenger flights and cargo operations, significantly improving Rwanda’s connectivity within East Africa and internationally.
The construction of Bugesera Airport represents Rwanda’s commitment to developing its aviation infrastructure as part of its Vision 2020 plan, which aims to transform Rwanda into a regional hub for business and tourism.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Bugesera International Airport will feature one main runway upon completion:
- Runway length (estimated): 11,500 feet (3,505 meters)
This runway will be capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, facilitating long-haul flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport will be equipped with modern passenger terminals, cargo facilities, VIP lounges, duty-free shops, and other services to cater to both business and leisure travelers.
The airport is expected to have advanced aviation technologies, including modern air traffic control systems, baggage handling, and a streamlined security process. The surrounding transport infrastructure will also be developed, with roads connecting the airport to Kigali and other key parts of Rwanda. Once fully operational, Bugesera is expected to handle up to 1 million passengers annually in its initial phase, with the capacity to expand as demand grows.
4. Gisovu Airport (N/A – Regional Airport)
Airport Code: N/A
Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC +2)
Address: Gisovu, Western Province, Rwanda
Nearby Cities:
- Gisovu – 5 miles (8 km)
- Kibuye – 12 miles (20 km)
- Ruhengeri – 56 miles (90 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (primarily local flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Very low (private and small regional aircraft)
Airport Location and History:
Gisovu Airport is a small regional airport located in Rwanda’s Western Province, near the city of Kibuye, which is known for its picturesque location on the shores of Lake Kivu. The airport is primarily used for local flights, and it plays a role in providing access to the western region of the country. Given the mountainous terrain of the area, Gisovu is important for both tourism, especially for those visiting Lake Kivu, and for regional connectivity.
The airport’s history is tied to the region’s agricultural and tourism sectors. Although it was once used for larger flights, the airport has mainly served smaller aircraft in recent years. It does not see the same level of traffic as Rwanda’s primary airports but continues to support regional development.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Gisovu Airport has one short runway:
- Runway length: 4,000 feet (1,219 meters)
Due to its limited runway length, Gisovu is only suitable for small aircraft and regional flights. The airport does not have the capacity to accommodate large commercial jets or wide-body aircraft. The facilities are basic, catering mainly to small flights and a few regional connections. Ground services are minimal, with a small terminal building and limited amenities for passengers. However, Gisovu plays an important role in connecting remote parts of Rwanda, particularly the Lake Kivu region, with the rest of the country.
