Burkina Faso Soars with New Donsin Airport, Set to Transform Aviation

Burkina Faso Soars with New Donsin Airport, Set to Transform Aviation

Burkina Faso Soars with New Donsin Airport, Set to Transform Aviation

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – July 11, 2025 – Burkina Faso is taking flight with the construction of the state-of-the-art Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, a vibrant project set to replace the aging Thomas Sankara International Airport in the heart of the capital. Located 35 km northeast in Donsin, this ambitious development is poised to elevate Burkina Faso’s aviation sector, boost tourism, and enhance regional connectivity, according to reports from Maliweb, Airports International, and enthusiastic posts on X.

The current Thomas Sankara International Airport, built in the 1960s and located just 1.5 km from Ouagadougou’s bustling commercial hub, has struggled with capacity, pollution, and safety challenges due to the city’s rapid urban growth. Handling 98% of the nation’s commercial air traffic, its crowded location has limited expansion and strained urban infrastructure. The new Donsin Airport, spanning 4,400 hectares, is designed to address these issues with a modern, eco-friendly facility capable of welcoming up to one million passengers annually and accommodating large aircraft like the Boeing 747 or A380.

Construction at Donsin, managed by Maîtrise d’Ouvrage de l’Aéroport de Donsin (MOAD), is making impressive strides. The 3,500-meter runway and taxiways, built by the SOGEA SATOM/Kharafi consortium, were completed and approved in October 2020, while access roads are fully finished, and technical buildings are rising, per industry reports. The airport will feature a 17,000-square-meter terminal and a captive solar plant to supply 80% of its electricity, showcasing Burkina Faso’s commitment to sustainability. This aligns with global initiatives like the UNDP’s Solar for Health program, which powers healthcare facilities with renewable energy.

Funded by international partners, including a $51.5 million loan from the West African Development Bank and $10.3 million from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, the $618 million project is on track for completion in 2025. Despite a brief setback in December 2022 due to a structural collapse, construction has regained momentum, promising nearly 5,000 jobs and a brighter future for the region, as noted by Energy Capital & Power.

Social media buzz on X celebrates Donsin as a symbol of progress, with some users highlighting its role in reducing reliance on outdated infrastructure. The airport’s eco-conscious design, using low-carbon concrete and solar power, positions Burkina Faso as a rising star in sustainable aviation. For more details on this transformative project.