The Rwandan government has started construction of Bugesera International Airport, south of Kigali.

The first phase will cost US$400m with completion scheduled for December 2019.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, said the facility would boost tourism, trade and aviation in the country. He said the airport would assist the growth of the national carrier, RwandAir, as well as improve air connectivity with other parts of the world.

“The new airport is suited to our national vision of improving air connectivity,” he said.

He said the airport would meet international standards and would have capacity to handle 1.8 million passengers annually. It will have 22 check-in counters, six air bridges, cargo handling and commercial facilities.

The Rwandan government also plans to develop an airport city to bolster economic activity in Bugesera District.