2.2 Burundi Aviation
There is one Airport (Bujumbura) and three major airfields in Burundi which are in, Gitega, Ngozi and Kirundo. The Burundian Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) is responsible for all management and operational aspects of the Burundian National Airports Network and Air Space Management System. Its scope is to implement Government policies on civil aviation, to coordinate with, and advise stakeholders on general developmental issues affecting civil aviation. The main fields covered are: Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Control.
Burundi is a relatively small country in terms of area and there is not much requirement for many regional airports. Additionally, being such a hilly country there’s less flat land.
Procedures for Foreign Registered Aircraft
No aircraft can fly in the Burundian air space except if it is registered. An aircraft registered in Burundi possesses a Burundian nationality. An aircraft cannot be validly registered in Burundi and in another country at the same time.
Air Transport Company (Commercial)
- The statute documents are prepared and legalized at the Tribunal of Commerce of Burundi.
- A request letter, (Provisional Air Service License) for the
operation of the plane in the country is sent to the Ministry of
Transport with a copy to RSA (Regie des Services Aeronautiques),
Civil Aviation Authority.
-
The letter should contain information on:
- the type of air transport (cargo, passenger)
- regular flights, air taxi.
- the destinations.
- type of aircraft and registration number
- The following documents are to be attached:
- Operator, Aircraft & Crew documentation.
- Air Operator Certificate
- Certificate of Registration
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Certificate of Maintenance Release
- Crew licenses.
-
The letter should contain information on:
- After an authorization is given, a fee for the license is paid at AACB.
Humanitarian Air Transport
- The agency requests (letter)
authorization for the operation of the aircraft to the Ministry of
Transport with copies to MINAFEX and the AACB.
- The letter should contain
information on:
- the type of air transport (cargo, passenger)
- regular flights, air taxi.
- the destinations.
- type of aircraft and registration number.
- The following documents are to be
attached:
- Operator, Aircraft & Crew documentation.
- Air Operator Certificate
- Certificate of Registration
- Certificate of Insurance
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Certificate of Maintenance Release
- Crew licenses.
- The letter should contain
information on:
- Once a favorable response is recieved, an authorization is received, the aircraft can be put to use. A provisional air service license is not necessary for the operation of humanitarian flights.
For information on Burundi Airport contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Burundi Airport Company Contact List.
2.2.1 Burundi Bujumbura International Airport
Airport Overview
Bujumbura’s International Airport Melchior Ndadaye is situated in the western part of the city at about 12 km from the downtown city. The airport is made of asphalt, with a runway’s length of 3 600 m (11 811 ft) equipped with navigation aids and can hold all types of aircraft.
The largest aircraft currently operating to/from Bujumbura is a Boeing 777. As of December 2018, the following airlines have regular scheduled service to Bujumbura International Airport.
Passenger Flights
There are eight airlines serving the Melchior Ndadaye International Airport:
- Ethiopian Airlines: to Europe, Asia, Africa North America (Washington D.C. & Toronto Pearson) via Addis-Ababa.
- Air Burundi: serving the Great Lake Region (Entebbe, Kilimanjaro & Kigali).
- Kenya Airways: to Europe, Asia & Africa via Nairobi.
- Interlink Airlines: Cape Town & Kruger National Park via Johannesburg. Jeddah (KSA),
- RwandAir: to Kenya (Nairobi), Uganda (Entebbe), Tanzania (Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam), Zambia (Lusaka) South Africa (Johannesburg) via Kigali.
- Brussels Airlines: Africa, Europe, Asia, North & Latin America via Brussels.
- Air Tanzania: to/from Dar es Salaam
- Uganda Airlines: to/from Entebbe International Airport
Cargo
BruCargo Airfreight link
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo link
The surface, strength and general condition of the parking area are good. There is enough lighting and the markings are clear. Expansion and runway rehabilitation work has been undertaken and the taxiing and parking areas can accommodate up to 5 large aircraft and 10 smaller aircraft. Access to fuel and unloading is good. There is no specified notice required for unscheduled aircraft, but 48 hrs. would be reasonable, depending on the nature of the landing.
| Airport Location and Contacts | |
|---|---|
| Country | Burundi |
| Province / District | Bujumbura |
| Closest Town or City | Bujumbura (7 km) |
| Airport's Complete Name | Melchior Ndadaye International Airport |
| Latitude | -3.324297 |
| Longitude | 29.31852 |
| Elevation | 2,582 ft / 787 m |
| IATA Code | BJM |
| ICAO Code | HBBA |
| Managing Company or Airport Authority | Burundian Civil Aviation Authority |
| Management Contact Person |
BP 694, Bujumbura, Burundi +257 22 22 37 97 |
| Open from | 24 H |
| Open to | 24 H |
For information on Burundi Bujumbura contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Burundi Airport Company Contact List
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
For information on Burundi Bujumbura contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Burundi Airport Company Contact List
Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: AZ Freight Information on Burundi
Runways
|
Runway #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Runway Dimensions |
3,600 m x 45 m |
|
Orientation |
17/35 |
|
Surface |
All weather asphalt to ICAO standards. |
Helipads
UN integrated mission in Burundi (BINUB) has constructed helipads next to Bujumbura airport and are being used by UN helicopters.
|
Helipad #1 |
|
|---|---|
|
Present (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Largest helicopter that can land |
MI26 (No limit) |
|
Width and Length (metres) |
There’s a designated area for helicopters |
|
Surface |
Asphalt |
Airport Infrastructure Details
|
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
n/a |
|
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refueling |
Yes |
|
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
|
Cargo terminal |
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
|
Pax transport to airfield |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
|
Control Tower |
Yes |
Latrine Servicing |
Yes |
|
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
Yes |
|
Catering Services |
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
n/a |
|
Base Operating Room |
n/a |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
|
Airport Radar |
Yes |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes |
|
NDB |
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
|
ILS |
Yes |
|
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
|
Performance for 2019 |
Annual Figures |
Monthly |
Daily |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total aircraft movements |
4398 |
366 |
12 |
|
Total passengers * |
229,333 |
19,111 |
628 |
|
Total capacity of the airport (metric tons) |
48,000 MT |
4,000 |
132 |
|
Current activity of the airport (metric tons) ** |
2,326 |
194 |
6.3 |
|
Current use by Humanitarian flights (UNHAS) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
*: 130,627 pax arrivals / 98,706 pax departure
**: Cargo on arrival 2,104 mt / cargo on departure 221 mt
For more information please consult the following link (Banque de la Republique du Burundi)
Storage Facilities
Total storage space is 2,006 m2.
Airfield Costs
SOBUGEA (Société Burundaise de Gestion Aéroportuaire) is the only cargo handling agent at the airport. The state-owned company owns several forklifts, as well as enough gangways, auxiliary power units and other ground equipment that can support aircraft. SN Brussels, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Rwandair Express are the main airlines currently using the Bujumbura International airport.
Fuel Services Charges
Airport has an underground pipeline linking it to INTERPETROL fuel tanks, based on location (just a few meters away). INTERPETROL is the only company undertaking refueling at the airport.
Cargo Terminal Charges
|
Import |
Rate US$ / kg |
|---|---|
|
Handling Charge per kg |
n/a |
|
Break Bulk Fee |
n/a |
|
Diplomatic Mail |
n/a |
|
Strong Room – per consignment |
n/a |
|
Cold Storage Fee |
n/a |
|
Delivery outside normal working hours |
n/a |
|
Preparation of substitute AOA – Invoice – Receipt |
n/a |
|
Storage per kg per day – Grace period? hours |
n/a |
|
Export |
Rate US$ / kg |
|
Handling charges – Unpalletized cargo |
n/a |
|
Handling charges with Forklift |
Forklift rent= n/a Handling: 1-500kg= n/a 501-1000kg= n/a 1001-2000kg= n/a 2001-3000kg= n/a 3001-4000kg= n/a 4001-5000kg= n/a Above 5000kg = n/a |
|
International Air Waybill |
n/a |
|
Local Air Waybill |
n/a |
|
Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation |
n/a |
|
Air Way Bill Documentation |
n/a |
|
Diplomatic Mail |
n/a |
|
Storage charges per kg per day |
n/a |
*Charges are correct as of May 2014
For information on Burundi Airports Charges, please see the following document: Burundi Airports Charges
Air-bridge Charges
Not available
Security
2.2.2 Burundi Gitega National Airport
Airport Overview
Gitega Airport (IATA: GID, ICAO: HBBE) was an airport serving the city of Gitega, the current capital of Burundi (and capital of the Gitega Province). The airport was on a low ridge in the northwest section of the city. The Bujumbura VOR-DME (Ident: BJA) is located 35.6 nautical miles (65.9 km) west of the airport. The Gitega non-directional beacon (Ident: GI) is located on the field. The airport is non-operational.
Airstrip security: Secured
Potential weather conditions: often good, bad during rainy season.
| Airport Location and Contact | |
|---|---|
| Country | Burundi |
| Province / District | Gitega |
| Airport Name | Gitega Airport |
| Latitude | -3.415308 |
| Longitude | 29.90793 |
| Elevation | 5,741 ft / 1,750 m |
| IATA Code | GID |
| ICAO Code | HBBE |
| Managing Company or Airport Authority | Burundian Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) |
| Management Contact Person |
+257 22203102 |
| UN Presence at the Airport | N/A |
Runway
| Runway # 1 | |
|---|---|
| Runway Dimensions | 900 m x 20 m |
| Runway Orientation | N/A |
| Runway Surface | Gravel |
| Runway Condition | Acceptable |
Airport Infrastructure Details
| Infrastructure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger / Cargo Security Screening | N/A | Runway Lighting | No |
| Refueling Capacity | N/A | Ground Handling Services | N/A |
| Air Traffic Control | N/A | Fire Fighting Equipment | N/A |
| Weather Information | N/A | Aircraft Parking Space | N/A |
| Navigation Aids | N/A | Perimeter Fencing | N/A |
| Windsock | N/A | ||
Fuel Services Charges
No fueling facilities available.
For information on Burundi Bujumbura contact details, please see the following link: 4.2.5 Burundi Airport Company Contact List
2.2.3 Burundi Kirundo National Airport
Airport Overview
Kirundo (IATA: KRE, ICAO: HBBO) is an airstrip serving the city of Kirundo, Burundi. The airstrip is 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) north of Kirundo, on the north shore of Lake Rwihinda. The Kigali VOR-DME (Ident: KNM) is located 34.7 nautical miles (64.3 km) north of Kirundo. The Kirundo non-directional beacon (Ident: DO) is located 500 meters (1,600 ft) east of the runway.
Airstrip security: no guards
Potential weather conditions: often good, bad in rainy season. The airstrip has not been in use for a long period, there is a need to cut grass on the airstrip and its perimeter.
| Airport Location and Contact | |
|---|---|
| Cuntry | Burundi |
| Province / District | Kirundo |
| Nearest Town or City | Kirundo (6 km) |
| Complete Airport Name | Kirundo Airport |
| Latitude | -2.542778 |
| Longitude | 30.10417 +257 22203102 |
| Elevation | 4,619 ft / 1,408 m |
| IATA Code | KRE |
| ICAO Code | HBBO |
| Managing Company or Airport Authority | Burundian Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) |
| Management Contact Person |
+257 22203102 |
| UN / NGO Presence at Airport | N/A |
Runways
| Runway # 1 | |
|---|---|
| Runway Dimensions | 1000 m x 20 m |
| Runway Orientation | N/A |
| Runway Surface | Gravel |
| Runway Condition | Acceptable |
Airport Infrastructure Details
| Infrastructure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger / Cargo Security Screening | N/A | Runway Lighting | No |
| Refueling Capacity | No | Ground Handling Services | N/A |
| Air Traffic Control | N/A | Fire Fighting Equipment | N/A |
| Weather Information | N/A | Aircraft Parking Space | N/A |
| Navigation Aids | N/A | Perimeter Fence | N/A |
| Windsock | N/A | ||
Fuel Services Charges
No fueling facilities available.
For information on Burundi Bujumbura contact details, please see the following link: 4.4 Burundi Airport Company Contact List.
2.2.4 Burundi Ngozi National Airport
Airport Overview
Airstrip security: soldier guards.
Potential weather conditions: often foggy.
There are constructions on the landing zone of the airstrip, hence the airstrip not recommended for airplane landing.
| Airport Location and Contact | |
|---|---|
| Country | Burundi |
| Province / District | Ngozi |
| Airport Name | Ngozi |
| Latitude | -2.875 |
| Longitude | 29.83306 |
| Elevation | N/A |
| IATA Code | N/A |
| ICAO Code | N/A |
| Managing Company or Airport Authority | Burundian Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) |
| Management Contact Person |
+257 22203102 |
| UN / NGO Presence at Airport | N/A |
Runways
| Runway # 1 | |
|---|---|
| Runway Dimensions | N/A |
| Runway Orientation | N/A |
| Runway Surface | Gravel |
| Runway Condition | Not Acceptable |
Airport Infrastructure Details
| Infrastructure | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger / Cargo Security Screening | N/A | Runway Lighting | No |
| Refueling Capacity | No | Ground Handling Services | N/A |
| Air Traffic Control | N/A | Fire Fighting Equipment | N/A |
| Weather Information | N/A | Aircraft Parking Space | N/A |
| Navigation Aids | N/A | Perimeter Fencing | N/A |
| Windsock | N/A | ||
Fuel Services Charges
No fueling facilities available.
For information on Burundi Bujumbura contact details, please see the following link: 4.2.5 Burundi Airport Company Contact List