The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks to have a functional airport within 72 km of every resident.  Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Bemba disclosed the ambition on October 26, at the inauguration of the renovated Bangboka airport in Kisangani, Tshopo province.

"With the rehabilitation of runways in poor condition and the construction of new compacted earth, gravel, or grass runways in each chief town of the 145 territories, every Congolese resident will be within 72 kilometers of an operational airfield," Bemba said.

On average, every Congolese citizen is currently 177 kilometers away from the nearest airfield. Of the 252 airports and airfields recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), only 38 can receive planes, and about 20 are effectively operational.

The Congolese parliament is reviewing a public investment program for 2025-2028 that includes a budget of 538.12 billion Congolese francs (about $189.4 million) for civil airport infrastructure. The largest investments, totaling 414.12 billion francs, will focus on upgrading Kananga Airport in Kasai Central and Goma Airport in North Kivu. The program also plans to install navigation equipment at 14 airports and build terminals and cargo areas in key locations like Béni, Bukavu, Muanda, Bandundu, Lisala, and Gemena.

The completion date for these projects is still uncertain. Work on Bangboka Airport began in October 2017 with upgrades to the runways and passenger terminal, while renovations on the terminal building started in 2021.

The Tshopo province, which hosts the Bangboka airport, could serve as a model for measuring the economic impact of these investments. This region has many economic opportunities and should benefit from better connectivity due to this improved infrastructure. According to Minister Bemba, renovating airports will not only enhance economic potential but also improve mobility for public officials.

The government's efforts to improve air transport go beyond just airports. They are also working to relaunch Congo Airways and have partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to start Air Congo, with its first flight scheduled for December this year. Meanwhile, private companies like Compagnie Africaine d'Aviation (CAA) are also expanding their services.

Georges Auréole Bamba