The capture of the airport occurred less than 48 hours after M23 seized the city of Goma. Confirming the development on his X account, Lt. Col. Ngoma stated, "The airport of Goma is fully secured by the lions [M23 forces]."
On January 26, 2025, M23 shut down the airspace over the airport, claiming it was being used by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and allied militias to transport weapons that endangered civilians.
Meanwhile, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly around Goma, continues to escalate.
Goma International Airport is a critical hub for North Kivu, serving as the region's primary gateway for air transport. As of 2020, the facility could accommodate up to seven Airbus A320 planes simultaneously.
The airport has long been a vital logistical base for FARDC, United Nations peacekeeping operations (MONUSCO), international organizations, and commercial entities operating in eastern DRC.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-rebels-take-full-control-of-goma-international-airport
