Last checked: November 2026
Burundi’s only international airport is Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) in Bujumbura. Scheduled airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania and Brussels Airlines, so most itineraries connect through Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, Entebbe or Brussels.
Which airport do you fly into?
The FCDO says Melchior Ndadaye International Airport is the only international airport in Burundi. Sources give different distances to the city centre, from a few kilometres to about 11 km, so treat it as a short drive. The FCDO advises against all travel on the RN5 road north of the airport towards Cibitoke, so plan your transfer to avoid it.
Airlines and hubs for Burundi
| Connection hub | Airlines reported | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopian Airlines | Links Burundi to Europe, Asia, North America and Africa |
| Nairobi | Kenya Airways | A common hub for Europe and Africa |
| Kigali | RwandAir | Nonstop flights to Bujumbura are listed on flight search sites, so check the current schedule |
| Entebbe | Uganda Airlines | A regional link |
| Dar es Salaam | Air Tanzania, Kenya Airways | A regional link |
| Brussels | Brussels Airlines | Reported to fly to Bujumbura, so check the current schedule |
Airlines add and drop routes, so confirm the schedule before you book. Most itineraries from North America and Asia connect through Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
How to get from the airport to your hotel
- Hotel pickup: the simplest and safest choice, especially for a first arrival with luggage. Arrange it in advance.
- Taxi: available, but agree the fare first and avoid night arrivals without a plan.
- Onward road trips: use a driver who knows the roads, and check the advisories for each route.
After you land
Once you land in Bujumbura, onward travel is by road. The getting around Burundi guide covers minibuses, taxis, driving rules, fuel and travel times between cities, and the Burundi travel guide gives the country background. Check the UK FCDO entry requirements before you book.
Time zone
Burundi uses Central Africa Time, UTC+2, all year. It is two hours ahead of London in winter and one hour ahead in summer. It is seven hours ahead of New York in winter and six hours ahead in summer.
Booking tips
- Compare itineraries through Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Kigali, and allow long connection times.
- Book flexible tickets, because routes and security conditions can change.
- Check the Burundi visa guide for tourists before you buy, since airlines check entry documents.
- Arrange transfers before you land.
- Check baggage rules on each leg if you combine airlines.
Before You Fly checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months after arrival, with a blank page
- Visa or visa approval
- Yellow fever certificate
- Onward or return ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance that covers your route, with a check of the US travel advisory
- A confirmed airport pickup
- Cash, since most transactions are in cash, and a note of the US$10,000 entry limit for carried currency
3 quick answers
Is there a direct flight from Europe?
Brussels Airlines is reported to operate flights to Bujumbura, and some sources call it the only direct European link. Check the current schedule, because routes change.
Can I fly from Kigali to Bujumbura?
Yes, RwandAir flies between the cities, and flight search sites list a nonstop flight of under an hour. The Rwanda land border is closed, so flying is the practical option.
Which airport do I use for Gitega?
Fly into Melchior Ndadaye International Airport in Bujumbura. Gitega is about 100 km away by road.
Flight Deals
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FAQs
Does Burundi have a national airline?
We could not confirm a scheduled national airline serving Burundi today. The carriers we could confirm are Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania and Brussels Airlines, so check their current schedules.
Can I connect through Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Air Tanzania and Kenya Airways are among the airlines with flights between Bujumbura and Dar es Salaam, according to airport route data. Check visa and transit rules for Tanzania.
Is it easy to leave Burundi if flights are cancelled?
Not very. The FCDO says land border options are limited, with Rwanda closed and the DRC border unstable. Keep flexible tickets and good travel insurance, and keep your embassy’s contact details.
