Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Kinshasa N’djili Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Quick Links
upon getting to the airport we were told that yes, we had confirmed the flight, but not the seats. Apparently that is two completely separate things. – Melissa
FIH Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Kinshasa N’djili Airport.
What to Expect
Kinshasa Airport (code: FIH) has two terminals: an older domestic building and a brand-new international terminal. Facilities are reportedly cleaner, and security processes are less chaotic than in past years, but corruption among airport staff is still a possibility. Inside the international terminal, you’ll find an expensive landside restaurant, an airside cafeteria, and a few shops. WiFi is available in two airport lounges, which economy-class passengers can pay to enter.
Sleeping in Kinshasa Airport
Sleeping here overnight is impossible as the airport closes nightly from 12:00 AM until 6:00 PM. For uninterrupted sleep, the closest hotels are in the Kinshasa city center. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Kinshasa Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The terminal is reported to operate from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are a few small hotels near N’djili Airport. Standards vary, so check recent traveller reviews before booking. Visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Kinshasa, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.
- Salon VIP Depart – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.
Airline Lounge
- Brussels Airlines Lounge – Location: Airside. Lounge Access: Elite ticket status and Lounge programs (ONLY for star alliance premium, gold, and business class fliers on Ethiopia airlines).
Drinking Water
Water refill stations are unlikely. Plan to purchase bottled water inside the terminal or bring a sealed bottle where permitted.
Food & Drinks
There are no 24-hour food options. Dining is limited and operates during scheduled flight times only.
- Landside: A restaurant operated by the Grand Hotel during opening hours. Prices are reported to be high relative to quality.
- Airside: A small cafeteria operated by RVA (Régie des Voies Aériennes) during opening hours. Offers simple hot meals and local beverages.
Bringing snacks is advisable if you have a long wait.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Not available. Keep your belongings with you at all times, particularly during check-in and baggage screening.
Mobile Charging
We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Showers
Not available. Restrooms on the land and airside are in disrepair and dirty. There is no running water.
WiFi/Internet
WiFi is reportedly available inside select lounges. As of this update, we could not confirm whether internet access is available elsewhere in the terminal. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Security & Safety
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
More Airport Information
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available and reportedly dispense US Dollars and Euros. International transaction fees may apply, so check with your bank before travelling. Availability of machines and cash cannot be guaranteed.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available through BIAC and Rawbank agencies.
Information Desk – An information desk is available in the main lobby.
Postal Services – Postal services are available.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Bus
There is a Transco bus stop at FIH Airport. Further information is not known. Shuttle buses also serve the airport. Inquire at the Information Desk.
Car Rentals
Car rental is available at Kinshasa Airport. No further information is available at this time.
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area. Prices must be negotiated before entering the cab. The airport suggests that a ride to Kinshasa can range from US$20 to US$50, depending on where and when you are travelling.
Last updated: 2026-03-02
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.