Rwanda Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in rwanda, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Aviation
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Overview

Rwanda, in partnership with Qatar, is building a new $2.6 billion international airport about 30 minutes outside of Kigali, which is expected to be operational by 2028. The new airport will handle up to 7 million passengers in the first phase, expanding to 14 million passengers annually by 2032, and 150,000 tons of cargo annually. Rwanda will own 40% of the new airport and Qatar will own 60%.

Qatar Airways is the key partner. RwandAir is already the third largest airline in East Africa and is executing an expansion strategy, including plans to expand its fleet to 21 aircraft and passenger volume to over 2.1 million by 2029. RwandAir recently secured a codeshare with Qatar Airways, which is closing in on a deal to acquire a 49% stake in the carrier. The partnership will enhance RwandAir’s global connectivity.

The new airport offers an array of opportunities for U.S. aviation, security, infrastructure, planning, logistics and hospitality firms as Rwanda aims to position itself as East Africa’s leading aviation hub after Ethiopia.

Leading Sub-sectors

•    Passenger services: Comprehensive passenger handling from ticketing to boarding, including customer experience enhancement and intermodal transport connections.
•    Cargo services: Air freight operations handling diverse goods including perishables, pharmaceuticals, and high-value exports to regional and international markets.
•    Airport facilities: Development and management of terminals, runways, cargo centers, and support infrastructure adhering to international safety and operational standards.

Opportunities

•    Sale of airplanes and related parts: Supplying new aircraft components and aftermarket parts responding to fleet expansion and maintenance needs.
•    Plane leasing: Leasing services for commercial aircraft such as Boeing 737s and Airbus models as airlines grow fleets.
•    Cargo handling: Specialized services including air freight logistics, warehousing, and customs clearance geared to increasing cargo throughput.
•    Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services: Expansion of technical facilities for aircraft servicing, crucial for operational reliability and cost control.
•    Fleet insurance: Insurance products covering aircraft and operational risks for expanding carriers and cargo operators.
•    Lodging, tourism, and hospitality: Growth in airport hotels, lounges, and tourism-related services to cater to rising transit and inbound passenger volumes.
•    Ground transport: Integrated transport solutions including shuttle services, rental cars, and prepare-for-future mass transit links to enhance passenger accessibility and cargo distribution.

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