Kigali International Airport

The hum of engines fills the air, the scent of jet fuel hangs heavy. Welcome to Kigali International Airport, the gateway to Rwanda, a nation bursting with natural wonders and rich history. Kigali International Airport stands proudly on the eastern edge of the bustling city, its gleaming terminals echoing with the energy of travellers arriving and departing. Kigali Airport was once known as Kanombe International Airport. This name evokes memories of the Rwandan Civil War, when the airport, the only easy way in and out of the landlocked nation, played a crucial role in the conflict. After the Arusha Accords, one of the airport’s runways was closed down at the request of the Rwandan Patriotic Front, a move that ultimately led to the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. The airport was a strategic point during a turbulent period of Rwandan history. In its halls, countless destinies were intertwined. Today, Kigali International Airport acts as a hub for RwandAir, the national flag carrier, and serves as a transit point for nearby Goma and Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The airport has three terminals. The main two-story terminal was built in place of an older, single-story building, which now functions as a VIP terminal. The airport can handle six small-to-midsized aircraft and even a Boeing 747. The latest upgrades to the tarmac and support systems were made in 2002. The airport also boasts free Wi-Fi, ensuring travelers are connected. Kigali International Airport, a testament to resilience and progress, is now a symbol of Rwanda’s flourishing future.