Matadi, August 23rd, 2026 (CPA).- The modernisation of the ‘Tshimpi’ national airport, which opened in 1955, was deemed necessary by the commander of this vast ground-based infrastructure on Saturday in Matadi, in Kongo Central (south-west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo). “The modernisation, in particular of the runway and the access road, is essential to improve air services, promote the development of new economic activities and enable the airport to accommodate different types of aircraft,” has declared Christian Alimassi, commander of Matadi’s “Tshimpi” Airport. “The current condition of the runway, characterised in particular by the formation of mud and the appearance of erosion ruts caused by torrents of water, requires long-term works, notably its resurfacing with asphalt or concrete,” he has added.
The airport commander, Mr Alimassi, has reminde that the resurfacing work carried out last year had helped to improve the condition of the runway to some extent. “As part of this project, a team of surveyors from a company known as Safimex has recently visited the site to carry out topographical surveys, a preliminary step prior to the rehabilitation works,” he has indicated, emphasising that the team had returned to Kinshasa to draw up its report, ahead of the selection of the contractors to carry out the works.
Turning to the issue of the access road to the airport, he has noted its worrying condition, whilst commending the steps taken by the provincial authorities towards its rehabilitation. In particular, he has mentioned the recent visit by a team from the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT) to carry out preparatory work. According to the commander of ‘Tshimpi’ Airport, the modernisation of this infrastructure could also encourage new airlines to set up operations there. He has specifically mentioned Air Congo, a delegation from which had visited Matadi to inspect the runway with a view to launching operations there.
Matadi Airport currently handles three flights a week, every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, notably using Embraer 120 aircraft with a capacity of around 30 seats. According to the commander, improving the infrastructure should enhance the movement of people and goods and contribute to the economic growth of Matadi, which is home to an international port, amongst other facilities. It is worth noting that Matadi’s ‘Tshimpi’ Airport, whose runway measures 1,570 metres in length and 30 metres in width, has been constructed between 1952 and 1954 before being inaugurated in 1955 when a Douglas DC-4 aircraft carrying King Baudouin of Belgium landed there.