Egyptian civil engineering firm Safrimex is set to begin rehabilitation work at Bandundu Airport in Kwilu Province.

Company representative Glody Asani announced the move on Feb. 2, 2026, during a meeting with Governor Philippe Akamituna Ndolo. The project involves rehabilitating the airport’s runway and apron to improve landing and take-off safety for the presidential aircraft and other planes.

The project is part of preparations for the 13th Provincial Governors’ Conference and a planned visit by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi to Bandundu, the provincial capital. Originally scheduled for Dec. 9 to 13, the conference was postponed indefinitely by order of the president.

The airport had not received the repairs needed to ensure the safety and smooth operation of flights. According to the Prime Minister’s office, this followed the termination of a contract between the Office of Roads and the Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA), as the Office of Roads lacked the technical and financial capacity to complete the work within the required timeframe. The project was subsequently awarded to Safrimex.

During a Council of Ministers meeting on Jan. 23, 2026, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa instructed the ministers of Transport and Finance to finalize the contracting process without delay and ensure the rapid execution of the work.

According to Fiston Mwemu, commander of Bandundu Airport, the project will begin with a preliminary study, considered essential before the start of the rehabilitation works. He said work would begin shortly.

Separately, a new airport is planned for Bandundu with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB). It is expected to be built on a site further from the city centre and is seen as a way to open up the region and stimulate investment.

Ronsard Luabeya