Katubwe Airport

The airport was not officially closed by decree but rather fell into disuse and was abandoned. The primary reasons were the regional instability and conflict during the Congo Wars, which made operations unsafe and unsustainable. This was compounded by a severe economic decline that eliminated funding for maintenance and the withdrawal of organizations (such as missionary groups or mining prospectors) that would have used such a remote airstrip.

The site is completely abandoned and non-operational. High-resolution satellite imagery confirms that the former runway is entirely overgrown with grass, shrubs, and small trees, blending into the surrounding savanna. There are no visible remnants of any airport buildings, hangars, or ground equipment. The land has reverted to nature and is not being used for agriculture or any other identifiable purpose.

Katubwe Airport was a rudimentary bush airstrip, not a commercial airport. Its ICAO code (CD-0064) signifies a minor or private field. Its historical importance was purely local, serving as a critical access point for the remote community in a region with poor road infrastructure. When active, it would have handled light, short-takeoff-and-landing (STOL) aircraft, such as Cessna or Pilatus models. Operations likely included flights for missionary work, transport for small-scale mining exploration (the Kasai region is rich in diamonds), delivery of humanitarian aid by NGOs, and private charter services.

There are no known or published plans to reopen Katubwe Airport. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo prioritizes the rehabilitation of its larger, regional airports. Reopening a small, remote airstrip like CD-0064 would require significant investment to clear the land, rebuild the runway, and establish basic facilities. Without a new, compelling economic driver—such as a major mining project or a large-scale humanitarian base in the immediate vicinity—it is highly unlikely that resources will be allocated to its reconstruction. The airport is expected to remain abandoned for the foreseeable future.