F1's African GP race date hinges on this $2bn unfinished asset being built in time

The airport is owned by a Qatari state investor while Qatar Airways, the airline that sold it the stake, is F1's global airline partner. However, until the project is completed, the race will not get the green light.

As GPblog reported, the 10-year deal was announced with much fanfare but came without a first race date. The reason for that missing time frame is understood to sits just a few kilometres from the planned circuit.

Rwandan officials have made clear that the circuit timeline depends on the airport. Asked about the open-ended start date, Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean-Guy Afrika told reporters.

One source described the airpot to GPBlog as being 'just a runway with a concrete apron', with early work only just started on the terminal building, meaning reports that it is set to open in 2028 seems unrealistic.

The $2 billion development, jointly funded with Qatar, also includes hotels and entertainment facilities that will be needed for race fans and personnel. The green light for the race depends on everything around the venue being ready, which is why the debut could slip from 2030 to 2031.

Qatar Airways agreed in December 2019 to take a 60 percent stake in the project. On June 1, 2026, the Qatar Investment Authority announced it had completed the purchase of that 60 percent interest from Qatar Airways for $578 million. It also committed to invest a further $1.1 billion to finish construction. Rwanda's Aviation Travel and Logistics holding company owns the other 40 percent.

The airport's opening has already been pushed back. Completion was initially planned for 2026 until RwandAir's chief executive said in May 2024 that operations would not start until 2028.

It is crucial that the airport is built to accept F1 freight, staff, drivers and fans. Until it is completed, F1 has to play a waiting game. Stefano Domenicali explained why F1 announced the deal this early anyway. "We needed this moment, because we were in a sort of chicken-and-egg moment," the F1 CEO said.