Burkina Faso is building a new modern international airport to replace the one France built in the 1960s.
The current airport, located in a densely populated area of the capital, has long posed challenges related to urban congestion, environmental pollution, and limited expansion capacity.
In response, the government launched the Ouagadougou-Donsin International Airport project to meet growing passenger and cargo demands while aligning with international safety and environmental standards.
Situated approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Ouagadougou, the Donsin airport site spans an estimated 4,400 hectares.
It is one of the largest infrastructure developments in the country’s history. It includes a 3,500-meter runway (with future expansion potential to 4,000 meters), a passenger terminal capable of handling over 1 million travelers annually, and dedicated cargo handling facilities.
Construction began in 2021. As of mid-2024, government officials report that 86% of the airport’s major public infrastructure has been completed, with some components exceeding 90% completion.
Authorities aim to commence the first commercial flights by late 2025.
The total cost of the project is estimated at over €220 million, with financing secured from a consortium of partners including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Islamic Development Bank.
Originally awarded to a French-led consortium under a concession agreement, the project has since transitioned to full public oversight after the termination of the contract in 2023.
The government has emphasized that the project is part of broader national efforts to modernize infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and assert economic independence.
