KIGALI - Rwanda’s international airport, Kigali international Kanombe is set for a facelift. This was revealed Wednesday by the Minister of Infrastructure, Linda Bihire, during the presentation of the design of the New Bugesera International Airport (NBIA) by a British engineering firm, TPS Consult.

The same company is also contracted to come up with a work design for Kanombe airport rehabilitation works.

Bihire said the move to renovate and expand the oldest airfield of the country comes in efforts to modernise its services and match them with the demands according to the country’s vision.

"With its current status, that airport cannot accommodate four or five airplanes at a time,” she said in an interview, referring to the capacity expected for Bugesera International Airport, which will handle to around 450 passengers per hour once completed.

She explained that consultants have presented various options to use while taking on rehabilitation process, and noted that both TPS Consult and the government are yet to estimate how much the works would cost, let alone when construction would start.

Bihire however added that, although the Kanombe airport location is restrictedly small, the expansion works will preserve its architectural uniqueness.

"This airport’s architecture is very good and unique, so the expansion works won’t change many things on its proper design,” she mentioned.

Located at some 12 kilometres east from the city centre, Kanombe airport has one single 11,483 feet (3500 metres) long runway.

Apart from being the main air gateway for all destinations in the country, it also serves as a transit airport for regional air destinations.

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