Ngandajika Airport

The primary reason for the airport's closure was urban encroachment. Originally built on the outskirts of Ngandajika, the city's growth over several decades eventually surrounded the airfield. This made flight operations increasingly hazardous due to proximity to buildings and people, and the land became more valuable for residential and commercial development. The airport was ultimately replaced by the current Ngandajika Airport (ICAO: FZWC), which was constructed further away from the city center to handle air traffic more safely and efficiently.

The site of the former airport is no longer recognizable as an aviation facility. An analysis of satellite imagery at the coordinates (-6.725944, 23.938265) shows that the former runway and airport grounds have been completely absorbed into the urban fabric of Ngandajika. The land is now densely occupied by residential homes, commercial buildings, local roads, and footpaths. The distinct straight line of the former runway can still be traced on satellite maps, but it is entirely built over.

This airfield was the original airport serving Ngandajika, likely established during the Belgian colonial era. Ngandajika is the administrative center of the Lomami Province and a historically important region for agriculture (maize, cassava) and diamond mining. When active, the airport was a vital transportation link, connecting the remote territory to major economic hubs like Mbuji-Mayi and the capital, Kinshasa. It handled small passenger and cargo aircraft (such as the Douglas DC-3 and similar bush planes), which were essential for transporting goods, mail, government officials, medical supplies, and personnel for mining and agricultural companies. It was a critical piece of infrastructure for the region's economy and administration before the road network was adequately developed.

There are zero prospects for reopening this airport. The land has been irreversibly redeveloped for urban use and cannot be converted back into an airfield. All air services for the city and surrounding region are now handled by the current Ngandajika Airport (FZWC), located approximately 6.5 km (4 miles) to the northeast of this historical site.