Tshikapa airport flights suspended after rain damage
Air traffic halted since last weekend at Tshikapa airport due to runway damage from heavy rains.
Air traffic has been suspended at Tshikapa airport in the Kasaï province since last weekend after heavy rains damaged the runway. The interruption is disrupting economic activities and complicating the transfer of sick patients to cities with specialized care.
The Directorate of Air Navigation (RVA) halted all aircraft movements while repairs are underway, forcing travelers to use alternative transport like roads. The president of the Federation of Businesses of Congo (FEC) in Kasaï stated that road transport incurs extra costs and risks for goods, impacting the local diamond sector.
Health sector concerns are also rising as urgent patient transfers to cities with specialized medical facilities are now more difficult. Local civil society is urging the RVA to speed up runway repairs to resume air traffic in Tshikapa.
Why it mattersFlights are suspended at Tshikapa airport, affecting economic activities and the transfer of sick patients.