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.
Top safaris
3 Days Double Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park
From
2837Per person
3 Days Gorilla Tracking and Lake Mutanda Adventure Tour
From
1588Per person
3 Days Mount Mgahinga Gorilla Trekking Mid Range Tour
From
1935Per person
3 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Lake Bunyonyi Budget Safari
From
1740Per person
4 Days Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Budget Tour
From
1785Per person
7 Days Gorilla tracking, Lake Bunyonyi and Queen Elizabeth National park
From
2988Per person
Other toursit destinations in Rwanda
Kigali city
Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, is a city that effortlessly blends modernity with tradition, offering travelers a unique and enriching experience.
Explore parkThe Genocide memorial
Rwanda has a tragic history. In 1994, there happened genocide that lasted 100 days and 800000 lives were taken in a brutal Tutsi ethnic cleansing. The genocide tore the small nation into pieces but it has managed to rise from the ashes.
Explore parkVolcanoes national park
Volcanoes national park is probably the most popular park in Rwanda. There are so many things to see and enjoy in this park. You can go gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, volcano climbing, volcano climbing and hiking, birding, nature walks, cave exploration, visiting Diane Fossey's research camp and so much more.
Explore parkAkagera national park
Akagera National Park offers thrilling Big five safaris which expands your luck to spotting leopards search for black rhinos, savanna elephants and lions. The national park is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a top destination for birding tours in Rwanda.
Explore parkLake Kivu
Lake Kivu in Rwanda is a perfect place to relax after days of Rwanda safari activities, such as hiking, gorilla trekking, biking the Nile Congo trail, or exploring the Nyungwe forest, you will certainly need a good place to chill, relax, and come down before your long flight back home.
Explore parkNyungwe forest national park
One of the wondrous sights in the land of a thousand hills is the Nyungwe forest. National park, It covers a wide area of over 1000 sq. Km in Rwanda extends to Burundi where it's called Kibira national park. Nyungwe forest receives about 200mm of rain annually and is Rwanda's largest water catchment belt
Explore parkThe Diana Fossey tomb
Back in time, Dian Fossey established this Karisoke scientific center in the area just between 2 volcanoes of Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi from which its name Karisoke was derived.
Explore parkLake Ihema
his article explores the natural beauty, activities, and wildlife around Lake Ihema, as well as the role Musana Tours and Travel can play in ensuring a memorable experience.
Explore parkNews and updates
A unique canoeing experience in East Africa
Canoeing in East Africa offers travelers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the region's spectacular landscapes while immersing themselves in the local cultures. Imagine gliding across serene waters, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and engaging with vibrant communities that have lived along these waterways for generations.
Mon Dec 02 2024
Accommodation options in Lake Mburo National Park
From luxury lodges that redefine indulgence to budget-friendly campsites where adventure takes center stage, Lake Mburo National Park offers a range of stays that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at the accommodation options that promise to make your visit unforgettable.
Sun Dec 01 2024
Rwanda’s most scenic destinations
Compact and easy to navigate, Rwanda offers seamless travel experiences, allowing you to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage without the hassle of long journeys. Let’s embark on a virtual tour of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations and uncover why this East African gem is worth your visit.
Sun Dec 01 2024