Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM)
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) is Burundi’s principal international airport, serving Bujumbura. It is also commonly referred to as Bujumbura International Airport. The airport’s IATA code is BJM and its ICAO code is HBBA. The airport opened in 1952 and was renamed after former Burundian president Melchior Ndadaye in 2019.
Melchior Ndadaye International Airport — Key Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Melchior Ndadaye International Airport |
| French name | Aéroport International Melchior Ndadaye |
| Former/common name | Bujumbura International Airport |
| IATA code | BJM |
| ICAO code | HBBA |
| Airport type | Public international airport |
| Country | Burundi |
| City served | Bujumbura |
| Location | Near RN5, Rukaramu, Mutimbuzi, Bujumbura Province, Burundi |
| Elevation | 787 m / 2,582 ft |
| Runway | 17/35; approximately 3,600 m, asphalt |
| Opened | 1952 |
| Renamed | 1 July 2019 |
| Current passenger-terminal arrangement | One main passenger terminal complex |
| Future development | A new passenger terminal is planned as part of the modernization programme |
| Airport authority | Burundi Civil Aviation Authority (AACB/BCAA) |
| Official aviation authority website | Burundi Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) |
| Wikipedia | Melchior Ndadaye International Airport – Wikipedia |
The AACB states that its headquarters are located at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport near RN5 in Rukaramu, Mutimbuzi.
Terminal summary
| Terminal status | Information |
|---|---|
| Current | 1 main passenger-terminal complex |
| Planned | New passenger terminal under the modernization programme |
| Cargo facilities | Separate operational facilities may be described as airport/cargo infrastructure rather than an additional passenger terminal |
| Airline terminal naming | Airlines generally operate from the main passenger terminal rather than separately numbered terminals |
BJM Airport Contact Details
The Burundi Civil Aviation Authority (AACB) is the most authoritative publicly available contact source for airport-related information. Its official website lists its telephone numbers, email addresses and 24-hour availability.
| Contact type | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Melchior Ndadaye International Airport |
| IATA | BJM |
| ICAO | HBBA |
| Main AACB telephone | +257 22 20 31 02 |
| Additional AACB telephone | +257 22 20 31 00 |
| aacbburundi@gmail.com | |
| Official AACB email | aacb@aacb.gov.bi |
| Postal address | B.P. 694, Bujumbura, Burundi |
| Physical location | RN5, Rukaramu, Commune of Mutimbuzi, Bujumbura Province, Burundi |
| Availability stated by AACB | 24/24 |
| Official website | aacb.gov.bi — Burundi Civil Aviation Authority |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia — Melchior Ndadaye International Airport |
The AACB’s official address page specifically identifies its headquarters as being at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport and gives +257 22 20 31 02, aacbburundi@gmail.com, aacb@aacb.gov.bi, and postal address B.P. 694, Bujumbura.
Emergency Contact Numbers for BJM / Burundi
For an immediate emergency in Burundi, current UK government travel guidance lists 112 for ambulance, fire and police, and 109 for the Red Cross.
Because published sources can differ on individual emergency-service numbers, travelers should prioritize 112 for an urgent emergency and, where possible, ask airport personnel or their airline to coordinate assistance.
| Emergency service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 | Ambulance, fire and police according to current UK government travel guidance |
| Police | 117 | Listed by some current emergency-number references; verify locally |
| Ambulance / medical emergency | 112 | Current UK government guidance |
| Fire service | 112 | Current UK government guidance |
| Burundi Red Cross | 109 | Assistance/help line cited by UK government travel advice |
| BJM/AACB airport authority | +257 22 20 31 02 | Airport/civil-aviation contact |
| AACB alternate number | +257 22 20 31 00 | Civil Aviation Authority |
Airlines Serving BJM
The Burundi tourism authority identifies several airlines serving Bujumbura’s Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, including Uganda Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania and Brussels Airlines.
Flight schedules and airline operations can change, so passengers should verify their flight directly with the airline before departure.
Airport Services
The official AACB website provides airport-service sections covering areas including:
- Airport taxis
- Parking
- Banking/forex
- Visa information
- Aeronautical information services
- Airport-related procedures and regulations
Frequently Asked Questions About BJM Airport
Where is Melchior Ndadaye International Airport located?
It is located near RN5 in the Rukaramu area of Mutimbuzi, Bujumbura Province, Burundi, serving the city of Bujumbura.
How many terminals does BJM Airport have?
BJM currently operates with one main passenger-terminal complex. A new passenger terminal is planned as part of the airport’s ongoing modernization project.
What is the official website of BJM Airport?
The airport is represented through the Burundi Civil Aviation Authority (AACB). The official website is aacb.gov.bi. The AACB is the country’s civil aviation authority and has its headquarters at the airport.
What is the telephone number for BJM Airport?
The AACB publishes +257 22 20 31 02 and +257 22 20 31 00 as its contact numbers.
What is the email address for BJM Airport?
The AACB publishes aacbburundi@gmail.com and aacb@aacb.gov.bi as official contact email addresses.
What is the emergency number at BJM Airport?
For an emergency in Burundi, current UK government travel guidance recommends 112 for ambulance, fire and police. The Burundi Red Cross can be reached at 109.
When was Melchior Ndadaye International Airport opened?
The airport opened in 1952.
Why is Bujumbura Airport called Melchior Ndadaye International Airport?
The airport was renamed on 1 July 2019 in honor of Melchior Ndadaye, Burundi’s first democratically elected president.
Is BJM the main international airport in Burundi?
Yes. Melchior Ndadaye International Airport is Burundi’s principal international airport and its main international gateway.
Which airlines fly to BJM?
Airlines identified by Burundi’s tourism authority include Uganda Airlines, RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania and Brussels Airlines. Schedules are subject to change.
Is BJM Airport currently being expanded?
Yes. A rehabilitation, extension and modernization project is underway. The planned work includes airfield improvements and, in a later phase, construction of a new passenger terminal.