Tag: rwanda

Ruhengeri Airport, located in Rwanda’s Northern Province, serves as a key transportation hub in the town of Ruhengeri and its surrounding communities. Situated approximately 227 kilometers (141 miles) northwest of Kigali International Airport, the country’s largest civilian airport, Ruhengeri Airport is strategically located to facilitate regional air travel. The airport’s geographic coordinates are approximately 1° 30′ 0.00″S in latitude and 29° 38′ 1.00″E in longitude.

Ruhengeri Airport plays a significant role in enhancing connectivity to the Northern Province of Rwanda. As a medium-sized airport, it is one of the eight public civilian airports administered by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority. The airport stands at an altitude of around 1,860 meters (6,100 feet) above sea level, providing an excellent vantage point for travelers arriving or departing from the region. Ruhengeri Airport features a single asphalt runway, measuring 1,480 meters (4,860 feet) in length, facilitating the operations of various aircraft. Its well-maintained facilities and services contribute to the accessibility and convenience of the area, supporting both domestic and regional air travel.

Kigali International Airport, previously known as Kanombe International Airport, is the principal gateway to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Situated in the suburb of Kanombe Sector, at the eastern fringe of Kigali, the airport is conveniently located around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) to the east of the city’s central business district. The airport is pivotal for the country’s connectivity and serves as a critical point for both domestic and international air travel. It has a notable history tied to the Rwandan Civil War, during which the airport played a significant strategic role.

As Rwanda’s primary international airport, Kigali International Airport accommodates a variety of airlines, including RwandAir, the national flag carrier. Other airlines such as Akagera Aviation, Tempus Jet, and Nexus Aero are also based at this facility, offering diverse air travel options to passengers. The airport’s facilities encompass three terminals, with the primary terminal capable of handling small-to-midsized aircraft, including larger jets like the Boeing 747. Notably, the airport has been improved and expanded over the years to meet the rising demand for air travel, and passenger traffic has seen consistent growth.

In recent years, the airport has witnessed substantial increases in passenger numbers, with over 710,000 passengers in 2016. Kigali International Airport is equipped to handle a broad range of flight operations and has two helicopter pads on the south side of the runway. Additionally, the airport offers cargo services and features amenities like free Wi-Fi for travelers. Its quality services and response capabilities, including a Category Nine fire department, have contributed to its reputation as one of the top regional airports in Africa, aligning with international aviation standards. The airport plays a crucial role in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and facilitates both domestic and international air travel efficiently.

Kamembe International Airport, located in Rwanda, serves as a vital transportation hub, offering both domestic and international flight services. RwandAir operates a regular schedule with seven weekly flights between Kamembe and Kigali International Airport. Additionally, the airport receives charter flights from neighboring countries like Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, although these are not on a regular schedule. During the Rwandan Civil War, Kamembe Airport was proposed as a potential location for transiting French arms to the interim government after April 1994, underlining its strategic importance.

Kamembe Airport is strategically located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of the central business district of Cyangugu in the Rusizi District, Western Province of Rwanda. For those traveling to and from Kigali, the country’s largest airport, Kamembe is situated approximately 147.5 kilometers (92 miles) away by air. The airport is perched at an altitude of 5,192 feet (1,583 meters) above sea level, and its geographical coordinates are approximately 02°27’23.0″S latitude and 28°54’35.0″E longitude.

As a medium-sized airport, Kamembe boasts a paved runway, designated 02/20, which spans 4,921 feet (1,500 meters) in length and is 148 feet (45 meters) wide. Over the years, the airport has undergone significant renovations and improvements, reflecting its growing importance in the region. The terminal building was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 2008, prompting the Rwandan government to announce a comprehensive repair and modernization project for Kamembe Airport. By the end of 2012, a new terminal and control tower were completed, and Techno Sky, an Italian corporation, installed new navigation systems. Furthermore, expansion plans included widening and lengthening the runway, from 1.5 kilometers (4,900 feet) to 2 kilometers (6,600 feet) by 2015, reaffirming Kamembe’s position as a key aviation facility in Rwanda.

Gisenyi Airport, nestled in Rwanda’s Western Province, is an important regional aviation facility situated in Rubavu District, within the town of Gisenyi. Remarkably close to the international border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this strategic location makes it approximately 94 kilometers (58 miles) away from Kigali International Airport, the country’s largest civilian airport. The airport’s precise geographic coordinates are 1° 40′ 48.00″S latitude and 29° 15′ 30.00″E longitude, with an elevation of 5,082 feet (1,549 meters) above sea level.

Gisenyi Airport plays a vital role in serving both the town of Gisenyi and the nearby city of Goma, located across the border in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It offers essential air travel connections for the residents and visitors of these neighboring cities. Similar to the setup of Tijuana International Airport and Brown Field Municipal Airport, which are separated by the United States-Mexico Border, Gisenyi Airport bridges the connectivity between these adjacent regions. The airport is one of eight public civilian airports managed by the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, supporting regional travel and commerce. Gisenyi Airport boasts a single asphalt runway measuring 3,330 feet (1,010 meters) in length and 75 feet (23 meters) in width, providing the infrastructure needed for safe and efficient air traffic operations.

Butare Airport is a modest yet crucial civil aviation facility located in the city of Butare, situated in Huye District, Southern Province, Rwanda. This airport serves as a vital transportation link, located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of the country’s primary civilian airport, Kigali International Airport. The geographic coordinates pinpoint its exact location at 2° 35′ 42.00″S latitude and 29° 44′ 24.00″E longitude, resting at an elevation of 1,768 meters (5,801 feet) above sea level.

As one of the eight airports under the administration of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority, Butare Airport plays a significant role in serving the town of Butare and its surrounding region. Despite its small size, it offers essential air travel connections for the local community and visitors alike. The airport features a single paved runway, approximately 860 meters (2,820 feet) in length, facilitating the safe landing and takeoff of aircraft. While it may not be as large or bustling as Kigali International Airport, Butare Airport contributes to the connectivity and accessibility of the Southern Province of Rwanda.