{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Democratic Republic of the Congo",
    "addressLocality": "Butembo"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "Regional carriers"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Butembo",
  "code": "RUE",
  "comparison_tool_link": "/compare/RUE",
  "connection_tips": "Rughenda Airfield (RUE) is an essential aviation facility serving the city of Butembo in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It primarily handles domestic charters and small regional carriers serving the local trading and agricultural sectors. There is currently NO regular scheduled large-scale commercial airline service.\n\nGround transport into the town center (approx. 5km away) consists of local motorcycle taxis and private hires which meet arrivals. A taxi to the center takes about 10-15 minutes and is very affordable. A significant tip: Butembo is a major commercial hub for East African trade; ensure you have all relevant travel permits and security clearances ready for inspection.\n\nInfrastructure at the terminal is basic with manual manifest checks. Arrive 2 hours earlyThe field functions as a community-and-mission airport for the Kivu region, with the road into Goma or nearby settlements the real next step. At street level, a pre-arranged pickup or host contact is the useful backup, because the airport is really the handoff into Butembo rather than a place to wait around. The meaningful alternates are Goma International Airport, Beni Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by Regional carriers, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch.",
  "country": "Democratic Republic of the Congo",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/cd.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "Coordinate pickup with your local business contact; no formal taxis wait on-site.",
    "The airport is a vital link for the regional cassiterite and timber trade.",
    "Expect manual check-in and thorough security procedures.",
    "Confirm runway conditions with your carrier before departure from Goma.",
    "Carry a satellite phone; cellular coverage can be inconsistent in town."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Rughenda%20Airfield",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=USD",
  "iataCode": "RUE",
  "icao": "FZMB",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "May 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": 0.117142,
  "layover_planner_info": "Consider exploring Butembo if you have a long layover.",
  "longitude": 29.312992,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact your airline's service desk for assistance with rebooking.",
  "name": "Rughenda Airfield",
  "region": "Africa",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "GOM",
      "name": "Goma International Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "BNC",
      "name": "Beni Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Rughenda Airfield (RUE/FZMB) operates in one of Africa's most challenging and strategically complex environments, serving Butembo in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, at 5,757 feet elevation where this civil airport maintains basic aviation services despite ongoing security challenges from M23 rebel operations, GPS jamming attacks, and regional conflicts affecting the broader Great Lakes region. This remarkably resilient airfield features a 700-meter gravel runway (14/32) that runs directly through Butembo city, demonstrating the desperate need for aviation connectivity in regions where ground transportation becomes impossible due to armed conflict, infrastructure destruction, and territorial disputes between multiple armed groups competing for control over North Kivu's mineral-rich territories.\n\nConflict operations reflect the airfield's critical role in a region experiencing severe security disruptions, where M23 forces have attempted to capture Butembo (population 280,000) while systematically jamming GPS systems affecting aircraft operations throughout North Kivu province, including Goma, Beni, Kibumba, and Kanyabayonga flight zones. The airfield operates under constant security threats as M23 advances northward from Goma toward Butembo have cut road connections, making aviation the only reliable transportation method for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and essential supplies reaching civilian populations trapped in conflict zones. Ugandan military presence provides some security buffer preventing M23 encroachment, though regional tensions complicate operations.\n\nHumanitarian significance encompasses the airfield's vital function supporting international relief operations, medical evacuations, and essential supply deliveries to populations affected by ongoing violence in North Kivu, where traditional ground transportation networks have been disrupted by armed conflict and infrastructure destruction. The facility serves as a lifeline for civilian populations requiring emergency medical care, humanitarian assistance, and evacuation services when ground routes become impassable due to military operations, roadblocks, or territorial disputes between competing armed factions controlling different areas of the province.\n\nStrategic importance extends beyond local transportation to encompass the airfield's role in regional stability efforts, where reliable aviation access enables international organizations, peacekeeping forces, and humanitarian agencies to maintain presence and operations in areas otherwise isolated by conflict. The airport's continued operation despite challenging security conditions demonstrates the resilience of communities determined to maintain connections with the outside world while preserving essential services for civilian populations caught in complex regional conflicts that have plagued the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo for decades.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Rughenda%20Airfield%20airport"
}