N'djili Airport

Welcome to N’djili International Airport, the main aerial gateway to Kinshasa and the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo! Located on the eastern outskirts of the bustling capital, this airport, named after the nearby river, serves as the starting point for exploring the heart of Africa. Since its opening in 1953, N’djili has come a long way, and the inauguration of a new international terminal in 2015 significantly enhanced comfort for travellers. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, connecting the Congo with other African nations and the wider world.

Despite its relatively modest infrastructure by global standards, N’djili Airport possesses all the essentials for travellers. In the terminal, you will find currency exchange points, ATMs, several cafés and shops, as well as VIP lounges for comfortable pre-flight waiting. One of the airport's features is its runway, which is 4700 metres long — one of the longest in Africa, capable of accommodating all types of aircraft. To travel to the city, you may use a taxi or pre-book a transfer, which is the most convenient and safe method to reach the centre of Kinshasa.

Locating precise and constantly updated contact information for N’djili Airport can be challenging. For questions related to your flight, we recommend contacting your airline first. Below are the most current general details.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the state company Régie des Voies Aériennes (RVA). The airport does not have its own official site, but information is published on the RVA portal: www.rva-rdc.com.
• Helpline Phone: The unified helpline is often unavailable. For information on flights, schedules, and services, it is most reliable to contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Airport Address: Boulevard Lumumba, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Email: There is no official public email address for general inquiries. For communication, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the RVA website or contact your airline's support service.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official and regularly updated social media pages. The most reliable information on flight status is provided by the air carriers.
• Lost Baggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found counter of your airline directly, located in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Primary support regarding tickets, check-in, boarding, and special services is provided by airline staff at their counters in the terminal.

There are several ways to get to N’djili International Airport (FIH), the main air hub of Kinshasa. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of the city centre. Due to the heavy traffic, which is the norm for the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, travel time can vary significantly. On average, the trip takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours, but during peak hours, more time may be required.

Taxis and Transfers — the most popular and recommended method for tourists. You can use official taxis, which usually wait near major hotels. Key tip: always negotiate the fare before the trip begins, as meters are rarely used. Many hotels also offer an airport transfer service, which is the safest and most predictable option. The cost of a taxi ride may vary, but it is the most comfortable way to reach the terminal without unnecessary transfers.

Public Transport is represented mainly by shared taxis (taxi-bus). This is the most budget-friendly option, but it can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Buses are often overcrowded, and their routes can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the city. There is no direct rail or metro connection to N’djili Airport. This method is suitable primarily for experienced and budget-conscious travellers.

Car Rental is also available in Kinshasa. However, self-driving in the city is recommended only for drivers with experience navigating chaotic African traffic. A more convenient alternative may be renting a car with a driver, which combines the flexibility of private transport with knowledge of local roads. Parking is available on the airport grounds, where you can leave a car for both short and long periods.

Regardless of the chosen method, it is strongly recommended to leave for the airport with ample time to spare — at least 3-4 hours before your flight departure. This will allow you to avoid unpleasant surprises due to potential traffic jams and calmly complete all pre-flight formalities.

N’djili Airport, the main air hub of Kinshasa and the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo, consists of two main passenger terminals, separated by flight type. One terminal serves international destinations, while the second serves domestic flights within the country. Despite being the country's largest airport, its structure is quite simple to understand.

The International Terminal is a more modern building that was constructed relatively recently. All flights outside the DR Congo are handled here. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The ground floor usually houses check-in counters and the arrivals area with baggage claim, while the first floor contains the security zone, passport control, and boarding gates. Despite the modern appearance, be prepared that navigation may not always be intuitive, and signs may be sparse.

The Domestic Terminal (sometimes called the old terminal) is significantly smaller and simpler in structure. It serves flights to other cities in the country. The atmosphere here is often more lively and chaotic. Registration and screening procedures here may also take a long time due to the large flow of passengers and less automated processes.

Transferring between terminals is not difficult — they are within walking distance of each other. There are no special shuttles or walkways between them; simply exit one building and walk to the other. The main thing is to check with your airline in advance regarding which specific terminal your flight departs from to avoid confusion on site.

A key recommendation for travellers is to allocate significantly more time for completing all formalities than you are used to at other airports. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2-3 hours. Queues for check-in, security, and passport control can be long and move slowly, so extra time will help avoid unnecessary stress.

N’djili International Airport (FIH), the main aerial gateway to Kinshasa and the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo, boasts a rich and eventful history. Its story began in the colonial era: the airport was built by the Belgian authorities and officially opened in 1953 to replace the old N'Dolo aerodrome, which could no longer cope with the growing volume of traffic.

After the country gained independence in 1960, N’djili Airport became a witness to many key events in the nation's history. During the Congo Crisis, it played a crucial strategic role, serving as the main base for United Nations peacekeeping operations and the delivery of humanitarian aid. It was a vital hub connecting the country with the rest of the world during difficult times.

One of the most vivid moments in the airport's history was in 1974, when it welcomed participants and guests of the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The whole world watched this event, and N’djili Airport became the place where global celebrities and journalists arrived, forever inscribing it in the history of world sports.

Over the decades, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet international standards. A significant milestone was the large-scale reconstruction and opening of a new modern international terminal in 2015. This project allowed for a significant increase in capacity, improved comfort levels for passengers, and enhanced service quality, strengthening N’djili's status as one of the key aviation hubs in Central Africa.

N’djili International Airport (FIH), the main aerial gateway to Kinshasa and the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers passengers a set of basic services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Although the infrastructure may not be as extensive as in major global hubs, everything necessary for travellers is available here.

Dining and Shopping. The terminal houses several cafés and refreshment areas where you can have a snack before departure, ordering both local and European dishes, as well as coffee or soft drinks. Shops are available, including Duty Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, tobacco products, and perfumery.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. For business class passengers and airline loyalty programme members, a VIP lounge is available, offering more comfortable conditions for waiting, along with snacks and beverages. Standard waiting halls are available in the general areas of the airport. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited and is often provided in business lounges or for a fee. Charging points for electronic devices may also be available, but their number is limited.

Financial Services. Bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate within the airport territory, where you can exchange Dollars or Euros for Congolese Francs. It is recommended to carry cash, as not all outlets accept bank cards.

Additional Amenities:

• Medical Assistance: There is a medical post at the airport for first aid.
• Passengers with Children: Special mother and child rooms may be available, but it is recommended to check their availability and location in advance.
• Passengers with Disabilities: Assistance is provided for moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft. It is necessary to notify your airline in advance of the need for such a service.
• Accommodation: There are no hotels directly inside the airport, however, hotels of various comfort levels are located a few minutes' drive away by taxi.
• Business Services: Separate conference rooms or business centres are absent in the airport, but basic services may be available in the VIP lounge.

When planning to have a snack at N’djili Airport, it is worth noting that the choice of establishments here is quite modest, but it allows you to satisfy your hunger before departure or after arrival. The main dining points are concentrated in the main international terminal and offer both quick snacks and more substantial meals.

In the area before security control (landside), several small cafés usually operate where you can drink coffee or juice and buy a sandwich or pastries. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off and those who have arrived at the airport early. In the sterile area (airside), after passport control and screening, the choice is slightly wider. Here, as a rule, there is a snack bar and café oriented towards passengers awaiting their flight.

For a quick snack, packaged snacks, pastries, or sandwiches are suitable. If you have time for a full lunch, pay attention to establishments offering hot dishes. Sometimes simple local cuisine dishes can be found on the menu, for example, chicken with rice or fried plantains (makemba), which will be an excellent opportunity to experience Congolese flavours. The price range at the airport is higher than in the city, but generally moderate.

Most cafés and refreshment points operate in accordance with flight schedules, especially international ones. They open several hours before departure and close after the last planes have left. Establishments may be closed at night.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, or Halal diets) should be prepared for the fact that specialized dishes will be extremely difficult to find. The assortment is mostly standard, so it is recommended to bring suitable snacks with you to avoid inconvenience. Simple vegetarian options, such as rice, vegetables, or fruit, may be available, but their availability is not guaranteed.

Planning a trip through N’djili Airport in Kinshasa will be easier if you take a few important points into account. To ensure your journey begins and proceeds smoothly, familiarise yourself with useful tips that will help you navigate the main air hub of the Congo (DRC).

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. Check-in and security control procedures may take longer than expected, so keep all necessary documents (passport, visa, tickets) ready.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Before packing, be sure to check your airline's rules regarding hand luggage. Standard restrictions include a ban on carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp and flammable objects. When passing through customs control, be ready to clearly answer questions about the purpose of your visit and the contents of your luggage.

Economy and Comfort In-flight. To save time, use online check-in for your flight if available. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily.

Transfers and Flight Delays. If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first for information and assistance. Having travel insurance that covers such unforeseen situations is always a good idea.