Kigali International Airport, also known as Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport, or Kanombe International Airport, is the main international airstrip in Rwanda, handling big flights and all main flights in and out of the country.
Its IATA number is KGL and it also acts as a transit airport for Bukavu and Goma in Eastern DRC.
Kigali International Airport is located in the suburb of Kanombe, on the eastern edge of Kigali. It lies five kilometers by road east of the Central Business District of Kigali.
Facts about Kigali International Airport
- Kigali International Airport is also a civil aviation airport whose operator serves as Rwanda Airports Authority, acting as a hub for RwandAir, at an elevation AMSL of 4,891ft (1491m), coordinated at 01°57’59″S 030°07’59″E.
- The airport has three terminals. The main two terminals were built to replace the single-story building and now house the VIP terminal and the main terminal, which handles 6 small- to mid-sized aircraft and can equally accommodate a Boeing 747 jet.
- One of the runways has two helicopter pads, both of which can be accessed via the main runway, mostly used for military helicopters.
- There is also the cargo terminal upgraded to tarmac and airport amenities such as free Wi-Fi and a waiting area.
The capacity of Kigali International Airport: The airport features a capacity of 4.5 million passengers per annum.
Ownership of Kigali International Airport: Kigali International Airport is owned by the government of Rwanda under the monitoring of a government body, the Rwanda Airports Company Limited (RAC), which is a subsidiary of The Aviation, Travel, and Logistics Holding Limited. The Rwanda Airports Company Limited (RAC) has the mandate to ensure the daily management, operation, and provision of air navigation services for all airports in the country.
Kigali International Airport runways: Kigali International Airport has two runways.
Point to note: It is important for visitors flying in and out of Rwanda to note that there are only three domestic airlines operating in Kigali Airport, which include Akagera Aviation and Tempus Jet.
Booking tickets at the airport
It is possible to book tickets at the airport over the counter in case of emergencies following the right procedures; however, the cost will be slightly elevated due to inconveniences.
The process of buying a plane ticket at the airport includes the following steps:
- Arrive at the airport: Make sure that you arrive at the airport early enough to have free time before your desired departure. Consider giving yourself at least a couple of hours to navigate through security and find the ticketing area.
- Locate the ticket counter: Look for signs or ask the staff at the airport to direct you to the ticket counter or ticketing area of the airline you wish to fly with if you have trouble navigating through the airport. The counters are usually located in the departure hall or terminal.
- Approach the ticket counter: Once you reach the ticket counter, wait in line for your turn. You must be prepared with the necessary information, including your travel dates, destination, preferred flight times, and passenger details (name, age, personal number, etc.).
- Communicate your preferences: When it’s your turn, you will inform the airline representative about your travel preferences, such as the desired travel dates, any specific seating requests, or additional services you may require.
- Check available flights: Based on the information you have provided on your preferences, the airline representative will check the availability of flights and provide you with options. They will also inform you about the fares, including any applicable fees or taxes.
- Confirm and make payment: Once you have selected your preferred flight, confirm the details with the airline representative. Then, you will be asked to make the payment for the tickets you purchased. The method of payment depends on the airline and airport policies; however, cash, credit cards, or debit cards may be accepted.
- Receive your ticket: After making the payment, the airline representative will issue your ticket. Make sure to collect your ticket and any receipts or boarding passes provided. You should double-check the details on the ticket, including flight dates, times, and passenger information, as it is essential to ensure accuracy.
- Keep your documents safe: Retain your ticket, boarding pass, and any other relevant documents in a secure place. These will serve as proof of your reservation and allow you to board the flight.
