- New Kigali International Airport (NKIA) is a greenfield project to build a world-class airport on the outskirts of Kigali, Rwanda.
- QIA acquires a 60% interest in NKIA from Qatar Airways for USD 578 million and commits to invest a further USD 1.1 billion to complete construction of the project.
- The investment is aligned with QIA's strategy to strengthen its presence in Africa and promote investments that support economic growth.
Doha, Qatar and KIGALI, Rwanda – June 1, 2026 – QIA today announced the closing of a transaction to acquire a 60% interest in New Kigali International Airport (NKIA) from Qatar Airways for USD 578 million. NKIA is a greenfield project for a new world-class airport in the outskirts of Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Under the agreement, QIA further commits an additional USD 1.1 billion to complete construction of the project.
NKIA comprises a 4.5 Km runway, completed in 2025, and a 5 million passenger terminal and associated infrastructure, currently under construction, with room for further expansion to support future traffic growth. Upon completion of the project, NKIA will replace the existing Kigali International Airport for commercial flights.
Qatar Airways and Aviation Travel and Logistics Holdings Limited (ATL), a wholly owned company of the Government of Rwanda, initiated the project in 2019 through a partnership agreement. With today’s transaction, QIA acquires Qatar Airways’ interest in NKIA and partners with ATL, which retains its existing 40% interest in NKIA with the already invested USD 385 million. ATL also commits to provide an additional USD 0.7 billion in future capital to complete construction of the project.
NKIA is a landmark infrastructure initiative that aims to establish Rwanda as a major aviation hub for Africa. The project supports Rwanda Vision 2050 by expanding airport capacity and supporting broader national efforts aimed at reaching upper-middle-income status. By scaling air connectivity, the new airport aims to boost economic growth, local jobs, increase tourism, support trade, and facilitate increased foreign direct investments in Rwanda.
QIA has a proven track record of investing in critical infrastructure assets that underpin economic development and is an experienced investor in airports, with a portfolio including Heathrow and Sydney airports.
About ATL
ATL is a holding company, 100% owned by the Government of Rwanda, established for bundling Rwanda’s air transport products and related services with the purpose of elevating the position of Rwanda as a regional aviation hub. ATL businesses crosscut around air transportation and services, tourism, cargo and logistics-related activities. Her subsidiary companies include RwandAir Ltd, Rwanda Airports Company Ltd, and Akagera Aviation Ltd. ATL also owns 40% shares of Bugesera Airport Company, in partnership with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), for the development of a new international airport (NKIA).