The disruptions have affected several high-level flights, including travel by Burundi's President, Evariste Ndayishimiye.
Safe aircraft operations rely on constant coordination between pilots and ground air traffic controllers, supported by navigation technologies such as radar and GPS systems that provide accurate positioning and approach guidance.
However, airport officials say these systems began malfunctioning after Belgian-installed air telecommunications equipment was removed and replaced with Russian-made systems.
On February 1, 2026, a RwandAir flight was forced to return to Kigali International Airport when it was approximately six kilometers from landing in Bujumbura due to communication difficulties between the cockpit and ground control.
On the same day, a Falcon 900 jet carrying Togo's President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and his delegation also diverted after experiencing GPS-related issues. The aircraft landed in Kampala, Uganda, instead of Bujumbura.
The situation also affected President Ndayishimiye on February 7. His aircraft, en route from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, was unable to complete its approach to Bujumbura and had to turn back due to similar communication problems.
Airlines impacted by the disruptions have reportedly contacted Bujumbura airport authorities to seek clarification and assurances regarding the reliability of the airport's communication and navigation systems.
Musangwa Arthur
