list of airports in Burkina Faso
:## Exploring the Airports of Burkina Faso: A Gateway to West Africa
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa known for its vibrant culture and warm hospitality, is becoming increasingly accessible through its network of airports. Whether you’re a tourist eager to explore its unique landscapes, a business traveler seeking opportunities, or a local connecting to other parts of the country, understanding the airports in Burkina Faso is crucial for planning your journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the nation’s air travel infrastructure.
#ff6900 Burkina Faso’s Aviation Landscape
Burkina Faso’s aviation sector, while developing, plays a vital role in connecting the nation internally and facilitating international travel. Air transport is particularly important due to the country’s limited railway network and the challenging conditions of some road infrastructure, especially during the rainy season. Primarily, the airports serve a combination of commercial passenger traffic, cargo operations, and essential domestic connections, supporting economic growth and facilitating humanitarian aid. The government is actively working to modernize and expand airport facilities to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and improve safety standards.
#ff6900 List of Airports in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso boasts a number of airports and aerodromes serving varying needs. Here’s a detailed look, including IATA/ICAO codes and location:
| Airport Name | IATA | ICAO | City Served | Surface | Length(m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ouagadougou International Airport | OUA | OOAG | Ouagadougou | Asphalt | 2,400 |
| Bobo Dioulasso International Airport | BOB | OOBO | Bobo-Dioulasso | Asphalt | 2,200 |
| Kaya Airport | KYA | OOAK | Kaya | Asphalt | 1,800 |
| Tenkodogo Airport | TKO | OOTK | Tenkodogo | Asphalt | 1,800 |
| Fada N’Gourma Airport | FMG | OOFN | Fada N’Gourma | Asphalt | 1,800 |
| Djibo Airport | DJB | OOJD | Djibo | Gravel | 1,500 |
| Ouahigouya Airport | OUA | OOAH | Ouahigouya | Asphalt | 1,500 |
| Kongoussi Airport | KGS | OOKS | Kongoussi | Gravel | 1,500 |
| Dori Airport | DOR | OODI | Dori | Gravel | 1,500 |
| Réo Airport | REO | OORE | Réo | Gravel | 1,200 |
| Timbuktu Airport (Not in Mali) | TBU | OOTB | Timbuktu | Gravel | 1,200 |
| Yako Airport | YAK | OOYK | Yako | Gravel | 1,000 |
| Gaoua Airport | GWA | OOGW | Gaoua | Gravel | 1,000 |
| Leo Airport | LEO | OOLE | Leo | Gravel | 900 |
| Banfora Airport | BNI | OOFA | Banfora | Gravel | 900 |
| Manga Airport | XMN | OOMN | Manga | Gravel | 900 |
| Youlou Airport | XYL | OOYL | Youlou | Gravel | 800 |
| Pobé-Mengao Airport | POB | OOPE | Pobé-Mengao | Gravel | 800 |
| Arbinda Airport | ABP | OOAD | Arbinda | Gravel | 800 |
Note: Airport information, including surface types and lengths, can change. It’s always best to confirm details with airlines or airport authorities before travel.
#ff6900 Major International Airports
While Burkina Faso is actively developing its regional airports, two facilities handle the bulk of international traffic:
- Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA): Situated in the capital city, this is the main international gateway. It serves a number of African airlines and occasional European connections. It’s undergoing expansion to further improve capacity and service.
- Bobo Dioulasso International Airport (BOB): The country’s second-largest airport, Bobo Dioulasso, offers international flights mainly to West African destinations. It’s an important hub for the southwestern region of the country.
#ff6900 Domestic Air Travel & Regional Airports
For those travelling within Burkina Faso, domestic air travel is a convenient option. Regional airports like Kaya (KYA), Tenkodogo (TKO), and Fada N’Gourma (FMG) primarily cater to domestic flights, connecting major cities and remote areas. These smaller airports often feature gravel runways and are equipped for smaller aircraft. They are essential for delivering services and facilitating commerce in the country’s less accessible regions.
#ff6900 Future Developments & Modernization
The Burkinabe government recognizes the importance of a robust aviation infrastructure. Ongoing projects include upgrades to terminal buildings, runway expansions, and improvements to air traffic control systems. These enhancements aim to improve safety, boost passenger capacity, and attract more international airlines, furthering Burkina Faso’s connectivity to the global market. Sustainable development practices are also being incorporated into these plans, focusing on eco-friendly airport operations.
#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the main international airport in Burkina Faso? Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) is the primary international gateway.
- Do I need a visa to transit through a Burkinabe airport? Visa requirements depend on your nationality and final destination. It’s crucial to check the latest visa regulations with the Burkinabe embassy or consulate in your country.
- What airlines fly to Burkina Faso? Air Burkina, Asky Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and other regional carriers provide service. The availability of international routes varies.
- Are there many direct flights to Burkina Faso? Direct flights are limited, particularly from outside of Africa. Many travelers connect through hub airports like Addis Ababa or Lomé.
- What is the condition of the smaller, regional airports? Regional airports generally have basic facilities and may utilize gravel runways, suitable for smaller domestic aircraft.
Resources:
- Air Burkina: https://airburkina.bf/en/
- Aéroport International de Ouagadougou (AIB): https://www.aib.bf/en/
- Timatic: https://www.timatic.com/ (For visa and travel document requirements)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA): https://www.iata.org/
- U.S. Department of State – Burkina Faso Travel Advisories: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/Country-Information-Pages/Burkina-Faso.html