The Rwandan government signed an agreement with Qatar Airways granting them a sixty percent stake in the new Bugesera airport.

Rwanda’s infrastructure minister Claver Gatete told reporters the Qatar Airways investment will allow the country to build a larger airport.

“We are looking for a bigger sized airport. That’s why we are looking for a bigger investor,” Gatete said.

The initial phase calls for the construction of terminals capable of handling up to seven million passengers per year. Phase two of the project scheduled for completion by 2032 would double the passenger capacity to 28 million per year.

The initial plans from 2017 have been modified to allow for higher passenger volumes.

Minister Gatete told reporters at a news conference that the search for a construction company was underway.