International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bujumbura International Airport | Bujumbura | BJM | HBBA |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gitega Airport | Gitega | None | HBBE |
| Ngozi Airport | Ngozi | None | None |
| Kirundo Airport | Kirundo | None | None |
| Cibitoke Airport | Cibitoke | None | None |
Notes:
- Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) is the primary and only international airport in Burundi, handling most of the country’s air traffic.
- Domestic airports are primarily used for smaller aircraft, general aviation, and local transport needs. Most domestic flights are rare and often charter-based.
Burundi Airports: Modernisation Plans
Burundi, a small landlocked country in East Africa, has a small but vital network of airports. The country’s main gateway is Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura, which serves as the primary hub for international flights.
This airport, formerly known as Bujumbura International Airport, was renamed in 2019 to honour Burundi’s first democratically elected president. It handles most of the country’s air traffic and is crucial for connecting Burundi to the rest of the world.
Beyond the capital, Burundi has several smaller airports, including Gitega Airport and Kirundo Airport. These regional facilities play a key role in domestic air travel and help improve connectivity within the country. While smaller in scale, they are essential for reaching more remote areas of Burundi.
Key Airports in Burundi
Burundi has three main airports that serve different regions of the country. These airports provide essential air transport links both domestically and internationally.
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport
Bujumbura International Airport, also known as Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, is Burundi’s primary airport. Located in Bujumbura, the largest city and former capital, it sits near Lake Tanganyika. The airport’s IATA code is BJM, and its ICAO code is HBBA.
As Burundi’s main gateway, it handles most international flights. Several airlines operate here, connecting Burundi to other African countries and beyond. The airport has a single runway and basic passenger facilities.
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport plays a crucial role in Burundi’s economy. It facilitates trade, tourism, and diplomatic travel. Despite its importance, the airport is relatively small compared to major hubs in neighbouring countries.
Kirundo Airport
Kirundo Airport serves the northern region of Burundi. It is situated in Kirundo, a town near the border with Rwanda. This airport primarily handles domestic flights and some regional traffic.
The airport has a shorter runway than Bujumbura International. It mainly caters to smaller aircraft and private planes. Kirundo Airport helps connect the northern provinces to the rest of Burundi.
While not as busy as the main international airport, Kirundo Airport is vital for local travel and commerce. It supports the region’s agricultural sector by providing faster transport for goods.
Gitega Airport
Gitega Airport is located in Gitega, Burundi’s current capital city. The airport has seen increased importance since Gitega became the political centre in 2019.
The facility has a modest runway suitable for domestic flights. It mainly serves government officials and business travellers visiting the capital. Gitega Airport is undergoing improvements to handle more traffic.
As Gitega grows in significance, its airport is likely to see more development. Future plans may include expanding the runway and adding more passenger services. This would help boost Gitega’s role as Burundi’s new capital.
Airlines and Destinations
Burundi’s aviation sector offers limited but vital connections to neighbouring countries and beyond. A handful of African airlines serve the nation’s main gateway, providing essential links for business and leisure travellers.
African Airlines Operating in Burundi
Bujumbura International Airport is the primary hub for air travel in Burundi. Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and RwandAir are the main carriers serving the country.
Ethiopian Airlines connects Bujumbura to Addis Ababa, offering onward flights to destinations across Africa and the world. Kenya Airways provides service to Nairobi, a major East African hub.
RwandAir links Burundi to Kigali, facilitating travel to Rwanda and beyond. These airlines play a crucial role in connecting Burundi to the wider African continent and international destinations.
Regional Connectivity
Burundi’s regional air links focus on East African destinations. Direct flights from Bujumbura reach cities like Nairobi, Kigali, and Addis Ababa.
These routes are essential for business travellers and tourists alike. They support trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange within the region.
Whilst Bujumbura is the main airport, there are plans to develop regional airports in other parts of the country, such as Ngozi. This could improve domestic connectivity in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burundi’s airports have specific features and requirements travellers should know about. These key points cover the number of airports, operations, flights, amenities, transport, and entry rules.
How many international airports are there in Burundi?
Burundi has one international airport. It is called Bujumbura International Airport and serves the capital city of Bujumbura.
What are the operating hours for the main airport in Burundi?
Bujumbura International Airport operates daily. Its exact hours may vary, so it’s best to check with the airport or airline for the most up-to-date information.
Are there direct flights available from Europe to Burundi?
Direct flights from Europe to Burundi are limited. Most travellers need to connect through other African countries or the Middle East to reach Bujumbura.
What amenities can passengers expect at Burundian airports?
Bujumbura International Airport offers basic amenities. These include currency exchange, ATMs, a restaurant, and a small duty-free shop. The airport also has a lost property service.
What transportation options are available from Burundi’s airports to city centres?
Taxis are the main transport option from Bujumbura International Airport to the city centre. Some hotels may offer shuttle services for their guests.
What visa and entry requirements do travellers need to abide by when flying into Burundi?
Most visitors to Burundi need a visa. The exact requirements can change, so it’s crucial to check with the Burundian embassy or consulate before travel. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is often required.
