Kigali international Airport

Kigali International Airport (IATA: KGL, ICAO: HRYR), formerly known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, sometimes referred to as Kanombe International Airport, is the main airport serving Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

It is located in the suburb of Kanombe, approximately 10 kilometers east of the city center. The airport is the main gateway for international and domestic air travel in Rwanda and plays a crucial role in connecting the country to various destinations around the world.

The airport has undergone significant development and expansion over the years to accommodate the increasing number of passengers and improve its facilities. It serves as a hub for several airlines, including RwandAir, the national carrier of Rwanda. Kigali International Airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.

Terminal Facilities

The terminal at Kigali International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for passengers. These include:

Check-in counters

Passengers can check-in for their flights at the designated counters located in the departure hall. The airport provides both self-service kiosks and staffed counters to cater to different needs.

Security screening

After check-in, passengers proceed through security screening where their luggage and personal belongings are scanned for prohibited items. The airport adheres to strict security measures to ensure passenger safety.

Immigration and customs

Upon clearing security, passengers go through immigration control where their passports are checked and stamped. Subsequently, they proceed to the customs area for baggage inspection.

Duty-free shops

Kigali International Airport features duty-free shops where passengers can purchase a variety of goods, including perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, alcohol, tobacco products, and souvenirs. These shops offer tax-free prices for international travelers.

Restaurants and cafes

There are several dining options available at the airport, ranging from fast-food outlets to sit-down restaurants and cafes. Passengers can enjoy a variety of cuisines and refreshments before or after their flights.

Lounges

Kigali International Airport offers lounges for business and first-class passengers, as well as certain loyalty program members. These lounges provide a comfortable and quiet environment with amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, and business facilities.

Currency exchange and banking services

Passengers can find currency exchange counters and ATMs within the terminal building to facilitate their financial transactions.

Car rental services

Various car rental companies operate at the airport, allowing passengers to easily rent vehicles for their transportation needs during their stay in Rwanda.

Transportation options

The airport is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Rwanda through various transportation options. Taxis, shuttle buses, and car hire services are readily available outside the terminal building. 10. Parking: Kigali International Airport provides parking facilities for both short-term and long-term stays. Passengers can park their vehicles securely while traveling.

Infrastructure and Expansion

Kigali International Airport has witnessed significant infrastructure development in recent years to accommodate the growing number of passengers and enhance operational efficiency. Some notable expansion projects include.

New passenger terminal

In 2019, a new state-of-the-art passenger terminal was inaugurated at Kigali International Airport. The new terminal significantly increased the airport's capacity to handle more passengers and provide improved facilities.

Runway extension

The airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft and improve operational capabilities. This extension allows for the handling of long-haul flights directly from Kigali.

Cargo facilities

The airport has expanded its cargo handling capabilities to support the growing demand for air freight services in Rwanda. Dedicated cargo facilities have been developed to facilitate the efficient movement of goods.