The ministers of Rwanda have approved an investment package that amounts to Rwf699 billion ($499 million) in the 2025/26 budget to go to the Bugesera Airport Project Funding. This airport project is expected to cost approximately $2 billion by the time it reaches completion.
Additionally, the completion deadline of the airport project was extended to the year 2028 from 2026. This was as a result of the delays in delivery of construction materials for the project.
Project Factsheet
Project name: New Bugesera International Airport (NBIA)
Cost: approximately $2 billion
Construction commencement: August 2017
Phase 1 completion: expected by 2027
Full completion (Phase 2): expected by 2032.
Key infrastructure and features:
- The airport project will entail a 3,750-meter runway. There are also plans for two runways in later phases.
- There will be construction of a modern passenger terminal building.
- Also, a presidential terminal will be built.
- Office buildings for stakeholders will be constructed.
- Latest features for cargo handling, aircraft maintenance, catering services will be incorporated.
- As for the support infrastructure, a 14 km Expressway will be built to link the airport to Kigali.
- The airport project will be designed for maximum operational flexibility and future expansion.
- Lastly, the construction project will incorporates green building concepts.
Bugesera airport project was originally launched in the year 2017. The airport project is being developed in two phases. Once the first is completed, the airport facility is expected to serve 7 million passengers every year. Furthermore, phase two is expected to be finished in the year 2032. It will expand the total capacity of the airport to 14 million passengers per year. Additionally, the site will also include a cargo terminal that will have a capacity of 150,000 tons per year.
Also read: $2 Billion Rwanda’s Bugesera Airport Operations Commencement Set at 2028
The Overall Cost of Bugesera Airport Project Funding
Generally, the full airport project is valued at nearly $2 billion and is part of Rwanda’s strategy to position itself as the second aviation hub in the East Africa region, just behind Ethiopia. Qatar Airways, which holds a total of 60% stake in RwandAir is a key partner in the airport’s development and is expected to help increase passenger traffic once operations begin.
Lastly, Rwanda is also seeking a $200 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. This funding is expected to help finance the Bugesera airport project.
Also read: Bugesera International Airport (BIA), Rwanda’s 3rd int’l airport
