In the South of Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, developers are constructing a new airport that could see up to 8 million passengers a year, expected to increase to over 14 million in the future.
The airport will include two runways with a 130,000 square metre main terminal building. Opposite the main building will be a dedicated cargo terminal capable of accommodating 150,000 tons of cargo a year.
The project will be an upgrade of the capital’s existing international airport, which will remain in operation for special arrivals, chartered flights, and a pilot training school.
Aviation Travel and Logistics Holding is the Rwandan government-owned company that is overseeing the construction. CEO, Jules Ndenga said: “I’m amazed, it’s like a dream come true to see the impact and magnitude of this project to the population.
“We are really impassioned to see efforts completed and starting operations.”
The country is partnering with Qatar Airways to help Rwanda achieve its aim of playing a critical part in the continent’s Air Travel industry. The Middle Eastern airline will have 60 percent ownership of the new airport as well as acquire 49 percent shares in the country’s flag carrier airline, RwandAir.
Jules Ndenga added: “The main objective of this effort is basically to make sure that Rwanda becomes an African hub where everyone will be transiting either for tourism, but also for business and different industries.”
Despite the continent having 54 countries, travelling between them remains a difficulty. According to the Single African Air Transport Market’s (SAATM) 2018 report, the continent has less than 4 percent of the global air market.
The SAATM policy, if implemented, would create a single market for African aviation, allowing the free movement of people, goods, and services. 35 states have currently signed up for the SAATM.
RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo said: “The continent is huge, it’s vast, but it’s difficult and unpredictable travelling within it… and it’s extremely expensive.”
This new airport would also help ease the issue of a lack of network routes in the continent by offering an option for passengers to travel between African countries without having to leave the continent.
