Kigali International Airport has been ranked the fifth-best airport in Africa this year by a Canadian aviation web site. The web site, www.sleepinginairports.net, is an internationally recognised travellers’ online guide that was established in 1996 as a platform for passengers to share their airport experiences around the world. The survey, released Wednesday by ‘The Guide to Sleeping in Airports,’ credited Kigali International Airport’s recent renovations, noting that the works improved the airport’s efficiency and security. Overall, South Africa’s Cape Town International Airport and Johannesburg Airport were ranked first and second best airports on the continent, respectively, with Algiers Hauari Boumediene in Algeria coming third followed by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolsm International Airport in Mauritius. Globally, Singapore Changi International Airport was ranked the best airport in the world, followed by South Korea’s Seoul Incheon, while Tokyo Haneda in Japan came in third. UK’s Skytrax ranked Kigali International Airport the seventh-best in Africa last year on the basis quality service. Commenting on the ranking, Tonny Barigye, the head of communications at Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCCA), said government will continue investing in the airport, noting that more than $17 million has already been spent in renovations and expansion to further improve the airport and aviation industry generally. RCAA is looking to develop a new air traffic control tower, a VIP terminal, and expand the existing apron, as well as upgrade ground lighting system next year. Construction works to expand the airport’s apron are ongoing and are expected to be completed early next year. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
