Bujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM)
Bujumbura, BI 🇧🇮 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
HBBA
IATA
BJM
Elevation
2582 ft
Region
BI-BM
Local Time
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GPS Code: HBBA
Local Code: Not available
Location: -3.32402° N, 29.318501° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Recent traveler sentiment for Bujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (HBBA (BJM)) indicates a generally low level of satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.9/10, suggesting weak service overall. While basic amenities are available, travelers frequently report inefficiencies and challenges, particularly with security and immigration processes. However, a significant renovation and expansion project currently underway promises future improvements to the airport's infrastructure and facilities.
What Travelers Love
- Ongoing Modernization: The airport is undergoing a major renovation and expansion project as of August 2024, which includes a runway extension, rehabilitation of aircraft movement and parking areas, a new control tower, and a future new passenger terminal. This indicates a commitment to improving the traveler experience.
- Professional Airport Transfer Services: Independent airport transfer services like BujaShuttle receive positive reviews for punctual, professional drivers and clean vehicles, offering a stress-free connection to and from the airport.
- Basic Essential Services: The airport provides essential services such as currency exchange, car rental services, ATMs, and small shops offering local crafts and snacks.
Common Complaints
- Overall Inefficiency and Weak Service: Travelers rate the airport's overall efficiency and services as very unpopular compared to other airports, contributing to low satisfaction.
- Security and Immigration Challenges: Security/immigration efficiency is notably unpopular. Past reports mention airport staff making the process difficult and asking for bribes. There are also warnings about the potential confiscation of multiple electronic devices and extended customs delays for import duties.
- Limited and Basic Facilities: The airport is described as very basic and small, with limited facilities. Cleanliness is only moderately valued. The terminal is not air-conditioned, relying on natural ventilation, which can lead to mosquito problems.
- Poor Terminal Access: Terminal access is considered very unpopular by travelers.
- Overpriced Amenities: The bar/café is reportedly overpriced, and shops sell expensive alcohol.
Bujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International Airport currently presents a challenging experience for many travelers due to its limited facilities and perceived inefficiencies in key areas like security and immigration. While private transfer services offer a positive aspect for ground transportation, the ongoing modernization project provides a hopeful outlook for significant improvements in the airport's infrastructure and overall traveler satisfaction in the coming years.
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Airport Routes
Bujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) offers 7 flight routes operated by 6 airlines. Major carriers include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir and others. Popular destinations from Bujumbura include Entebbe Int'l, Bole Int'l, Jomo Kenyatta Int'l, Kigali Int'l and Dar es Salaam.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- Kigali Int'l (KGL) new
- Jomo Kenyatta Int'l (NBO) new
- Entebbe Int'l (EBB) new
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) new
- Kigoma (TKQ) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Bujumbura Melchior Ndadaye International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
1 | 64 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Kenya Airways
KQA
/ KQ
|
1 | 56 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
RwandAir
RWD
/ WB
|
1 | 54 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Uganda Airlines
UGD
/ UR
|
1 | 47 | 1 | Jan 28, 2026 |
|
Air Tanzania
ATC
/ TC
|
2 | 30 | 2 | Jan 28, 2026 |
Brussels Airlines
BEL
/ SN
|
1 | 17 | 1 | Jan 28, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
02/20 |
- ft | - ft | UNK | Active |
17/35 |
11811 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 119.7 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.9 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the most common and readily available transportation option outside the airport's arrivals terminal. Fares are not metered, so it is crucial to negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before beginning your trip. Motorcycle taxis (moto-taxis) are also a popular and cheaper alternative for single travelers with light luggage. Many hotels offer pre-arranged airport shuttle services, which should be booked in advance.
Rental Cars
A limited number of local car rental companies offer services at the airport. It is strongly recommended to book a vehicle in advance to ensure availability. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required along with your valid national driver's license. Hiring a car with a local driver is also a common and often recommended option for visitors unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Public Transportation
There are no formal public bus or train services that directly connect to the Bujumbura airport terminal. The primary methods for leaving the airport are by taxi, pre-arranged hotel shuttle, or rental car. While public minibuses operate in the city, they do not have a dedicated stop at the airport and are not a convenient option for travelers with luggage.