The total cost of the Banjul International Airport expansion project is $41 million including $10 million for a VVIP lounge. 

The huge sum was provided as a loan to the Gambia Government by Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). 

According to authorities the expansion project will increase the airport’s operational capacity by 43%, enhancing trade and supporting economic growth.

The inauguration ceremony of the VVIP lounge was recently attended by Vice President Dr Isatou Touray and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad.

Dr Isatou Touray thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the SFD for its commitment to sustainable infrastructure projects, including the development and expansion of Banjul International Airport, which will increase the living standards of two million people.

Sultan bin Abdul Rahman Al-Marshad said: “This is an important milestone in the growth and prosperity of The Gambia. The development of Banjul International Airport is an extension of the ongoing support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of The Gambia, which includes 14 development loans and five grants with a total value of US $215 million across transport, education, water, and economic development.

“This scheme is just one of over 20 projects the SFD has supported in the air transport sector around the world at a value of US$294 million, including the construction of runways, provision of engineering consultancy, and expansion of navigational services, aimed at stimulating sustainable economic and social growth.”