Rwanda is staking a bold claim in Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape with the development of the US$2 billion Bugesera International Airport infrastructure project envisioned to transform the country into a regional air transport hub.
Located 40km south of Kigali, the new airport is expected to fundamentally change how travellers, investors and airlines access the country while redefining Rwanda’s ambitions under Vision 2050.
Built on a 2 500 hectare site, Bugesera International Airport is being developed in partnership with Qatar Airways, which holds a 60% stake, and the Rwandan government. The project intends to replace the ageing and capacity-constrained Kigali International Airport, which has struggled to keep pace with Rwanda’s rapid growth in tourism, business travel and regional connectivity. Once complete, Bugesera is projected to handle up to 14 million passengers annually by 2032.
The first phase, now scheduled to become operational in 2028, is expected to accommodate between seven million and 8.2 million passengers with capacity scaling up in the second phase. As of mid-2025, construction was estimated to be between 25-30% complete.
At the heart of the project is a 3 750 metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, a 120 000 square metre passenger terminal and a 14 kilometre express road linking the airport directly to Kigali. It is also being designed as a “green airport” with solar power integration and a goal of achieving net zero emissions.
Tourism benefits
For Rwanda’s tourism sector, the implications are far-reaching. Improved connectivity, particularly through Qatar Airways’ global network, is expected to significantly increase international arrivals, lower the cost of flying into the country and strengthen Kigali’s position as a gateway to East and Central Africa.
“This will have a massive positive impact for Rwanda and the region as a whole,” says Keith Vincent, CEO of Wilderness Holdings, which operates high-end lodges across Africa, including in Rwanda. “We are preparing for international flights using Kigali as an additional hub into the region and possibly into Southern Africa as well.”
Luxury tourism, a cornerstone of Rwanda’s high-value, low-volume tourism model, is expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries. Rwanda is carefully positioned as a premium destination through gorilla trekking, conservation-led tourism and strong global branding, including the widely recognised Visit Rwanda partnerships.
According to Vincent, improved air access is likely to unlock new investment. “The government and the Rwanda Development Board invest heavily in growing tourism – certainly more than most neighbouring countries,” he says. “This will encourage investors to look at Rwanda more seriously, attract new accommodation developments and push existing facilities to upgrade to meet the expectations of more affluent travellers.”
MICE appeal
Bainito Musumba of Private Safaris describes Bugesera as a “game changer” for arrivals and conference tourism.
“Easy and attractive arrivals will bring more flights and bigger tourist numbers,” she says. “It will also support the growth of MICE tourism and large-scale events.”
Indeed, business tourism is one of the clearest growth opportunities linked to the new airport. Kigali is already a leading MICE destination hosting high-profile summits and corporate events.
However, limitations at the current airport like congestion, limited expansion space and challenges handling large conference arrivals have constrained growth.
“Bugesera International Airport will significantly strengthen Rwanda’s position as a business tourism and MICE destination,” says Gustave Sugira, a specialist in Rwanda’s MICE sector. “Improved connectivity, higher passenger capacity and a modern arrival experience will allow Rwanda to confidently bid for larger conferences and regional expos. Convenience matters for business travellers and a world-class airport directly supports Kigali’s ambition to attract investors and host high-value events year-round.”
Unintended consequences
Musumba cautions that, while increased arrivals are positive, Rwanda must resist the temptation to overexploit its most sensitive assets.
“With larger numbers, there is always pressure to increase gorilla permits and that is dangerous,” she says. “It risks destroying habitat and undermining conservation. Development must go hand in hand with protecting what makes Rwanda special.”
