COVID-19: Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport prepares for resumption of commercial flights

Kigali International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Rwanda, is gearing up to reopen its doors to commercial flights on August 1st after being closed for nearly five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various health and safety measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of passengers and staff as they prepare to resume operations. The airport, which handles over a million passengers annually, has been quiet and devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of travelers and flights. However, come August 1st, a sense of normalcy is expected to return as the airport reopens its gates. One of the key focuses has been on adhering to international guidelines and standards recommended by health organizations and regulatory bodies. Measures have been put in place to enforce social distancing, enhance sanitization, and reduce physical contact between passengers and airport staff. Thermal cameras for temperature screening, touchless hand sanitizers, and self-checking kiosks are among the new features that have been added to the airport to create a safe environment for travelers. The airport has also set up testing protocols where passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival and undergo additional testing upon landing. These stringent measures aim to ensure the safety of all passengers, staff, and the community at large. While the cost of implementing these safety measures is significant, airport officials emphasize the necessity of this investment in order to restore confidence in air travel. Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, Rwanda's national carrier, RwandAir, remains optimistic about the future. Plans for expanding their network and flying to new destinations have been put on hold, but the airline is determined to rebuild and grow once normalcy resumes. The resilience and adaptability shown by Kigali International Airport and RwandAir reflect the broader challenges faced by the aviation industry during these unprecedented times. As the world gradually reopens and air travel begins to recover, the commitment to safety and health measures will remain paramount in ensuring a sustainable and secure aviation environment.