DRC: The Luano Airport modernisation project enters its active phase
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the modernization project for Luano International Airport, located in Lubumbashi, has now entered its concrete phase. Physical work officially commenced on October 13, 2025, marking a decisive step in the implementation of the national plan for the development of air transport.
This large-scale project, led by the Turkish company Summa, is part of the government’s roadmap to strengthen domestic connectivity and modernize the country’s airport infrastructure.
The goal is to transform Luano into a modern regional hub capable of supporting the economic growth of the Haut-Katanga region, a strategic area for trade and the mining industry.
The work includes paving the new passenger terminal, constructing dedicated cargo facilities, extending the runway, developing an aircraft parking area, and completely renewing the air navigation support equipment.
These new infrastructures will complement the control tower and technical block, which were already upgraded to standard in 2015.
According to the schedule presented by project officials, the work is expected to be completed by December 2026.
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Ultimately, the capacity of Luano Airport will be increased to one million passengers per year, a level that will accommodate growing domestic and international traffic while improving the quality of services for travelers and economic operators.
For the Congolese government, this modernization represents much more than a simple infrastructure project; it is a lever for economic development, regional accessibility, and the strengthening of air sovereignty.
Indeed, a high-performing airport in Lubumbashi will facilitate logistics flows for the mining sector while attracting new investors to the region.
Thus, the revival of the Luano project illustrates the government’s commitment to modernizing its strategic infrastructure to support growth, improve citizen mobility, and strengthen the DRC’s territorial integration.
Gilbert FOTSO
