List of Airports in Gambia
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Afghanistan according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Afghanistan are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Gambia
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yundum International Airport | BJL | Banjul | Medium |
Major Airports in Gambia
1. Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Airport Code: BJL
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
Banjul International Airport,
Banjul, The Gambia,
West Africa
Nearby Cities:
- Banjul (0 miles)
- Serrekunda (7.5 miles)
- Kololi (9 miles)
- Bakau (8 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air Senegal
- Gambia Bird
- TUI Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 300,000–400,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Banjul International Airport, also known as Yundum International Airport, is the primary international gateway to The Gambia. It is located about 20 kilometers south of Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia. Originally built in the 1950s during British colonial rule, the airport was upgraded to an international status in the 1970s. Over the years, it has seen numerous renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of tourists, especially from Europe, as The Gambia is a popular destination for winter sun holidays.
The airport’s development over time has been closely linked to the tourism industry, which remains a vital part of the country’s economy. It has served as a hub for various international airlines, primarily from Europe, providing access to The Gambia’s beaches and rich cultural heritage. Despite being a small airport in comparison to regional giants, Banjul International Airport is crucial for the nation’s connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Banjul International Airport has a single runway, which is 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) long. The runway can accommodate medium to large-sized aircraft, including Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, and smaller wide-body aircraft. However, it is not fully equipped to handle larger, wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380, due to its shorter length and infrastructure limitations.
The airport’s terminal has undergone significant upgrades to handle increasing passenger traffic. It features a single terminal building that processes both international and domestic flights. Additionally, there are duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and other services aimed at enhancing passenger experience. Ground handling is managed by local providers, and the airport is supported by various services such as customs and immigration facilities, car rental services, and taxi ranks. Although smaller than many international airports, Banjul International is an essential transportation hub for the country.
2. Basse Santa Su Airport (BSU)
Airport Code: BSU
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
Basse Santa Su Airport,
Basse, Upper River Region,
The Gambia
Nearby Cities:
- Basse (0 miles)
- Bansang (17 miles)
- Kuntaur (40 miles)
- Basse Santa Su (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Gambia Bird (formerly)
- Air Senegal (regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 50,000–70,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Basse Santa Su Airport is located in the Upper River Region of The Gambia, near the town of Basse. It serves as a regional hub for flights to and from the capital, Banjul, as well as destinations in Senegal. Historically, the airport has been crucial for regional connectivity, as it links the rural areas of the Gambia with the rest of the country and surrounding West African nations.
The airport originally began as a smaller airstrip serving regional and cargo flights. In the late 1990s, Basse Santa Su Airport was upgraded to accommodate passenger services, with a focus on supporting the growth of domestic and regional tourism and commerce. Today, it serves as a secondary airport for the country, focusing primarily on domestic flights, although it has also handled some international flights in the past, mainly to neighboring Senegal.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Basse Santa Su Airport has a smaller infrastructure compared to Banjul International Airport. The airport has a single runway that is approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) long. While it is sufficient for smaller aircraft like the Dash 8 or ATR 72, it cannot handle large wide-body aircraft due to its shorter length and limited support services.
The terminal at Basse Santa Su is relatively modest but includes basic facilities such as a waiting lounge, check-in counters, and a small cafe. Ground handling services are limited, and there is no significant cargo handling infrastructure, although the airport does support domestic flights. Due to its size, the airport is not equipped for international wide-body flights but serves as a vital link for regional travel in the Gambia.
3. Barra Airport (BAX)
Airport Code: BAX
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
Barra Airport,
North Bank Region,
The Gambia
Nearby Cities:
- Barra (0 miles)
- Kerewan (3.5 miles)
- Serekunda (18 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Gambia Bird (historically)
- TUI Airways (seasonal flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 20,000–30,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Barra Airport is located in the North Bank Region, across the river from the capital, Banjul. It primarily serves as a domestic and regional airport, offering ferry connections for passengers traveling between Barra and Banjul. The airport is crucial for local transportation, providing access to the western parts of The Gambia and connecting various towns and villages to Banjul.
Historically, Barra served as an important site for local ferry services, but in the 1980s and 1990s, the airport was developed to support a range of small aircraft for domestic flights. It remains a regional airport, mainly catering to short-haul flights within The Gambia and neighboring countries. Although it is not a significant international gateway, it plays an essential role in the Gambian transportation infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Barra Airport has a relatively short runway of around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), which limits the size of aircraft that can land and take off. The runway is mainly used for small regional planes, such as the Cessna Caravan and smaller propeller-driven aircraft, which can operate from shorter strips. Larger jets, including wide-body aircraft, are not capable of operating from this airport.
The terminal facilities are basic but functional, including check-in counters, waiting areas, and small shops. Ground handling services are minimal, and there are no dedicated cargo facilities at the airport. The airport’s primary role remains to support local and regional air travel, particularly for Gambians living in remote areas of the country.
4. Janjanbureh Airport (JJI)
Airport Code: JJI
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
Janjanbureh Airport,
Central River Region,
The Gambia
Nearby Cities:
- Janjanbureh (0 miles)
- Bansang (21 miles)
- Kuntaur (34 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Gambia Bird (historically)
- Air Senegal (regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 15,000–20,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Janjanbureh Airport, located in the Central River Region of The Gambia, is another small regional airport in the country. It serves the town of Janjanbureh and surrounding rural areas. Historically, it has been used primarily for short regional flights connecting The Gambia’s central regions with Banjul and other parts of West Africa. The airport’s development was part of an effort to improve regional infrastructure and facilitate trade and tourism in the area.
Though not a major international hub, Janjanbureh is an essential part of the Gambia’s domestic air network, providing access to otherwise remote areas. It has also been used for emergency and humanitarian flights, given its location in an area with limited road infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Janjanbureh Airport has a small runway measuring approximately 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) in length. This size is adequate for smaller aircraft, such as light turboprops and small regional jets. Due to the limited length of the runway, the airport cannot handle larger aircraft or wide-body jets.
The airport’s terminal is minimalistic, featuring basic amenities for travelers, such as seating areas and check-in desks. There are no advanced ground services, and cargo handling is virtually nonexistent. The airport serves mainly domestic travelers and is vital for the transportation of goods and services to the Central River Region.
5. Kerewan Airport (KWE)
Airport Code: KWE
Time Zone: GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
Kerewan Airport,
North Bank Region,
The Gambia
Nearby Cities:
- Kerewan (0 miles)
- Barra (10 miles)
- Serekunda (22 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Gambia Bird (historically)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000–15,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Kerewan Airport is located in the North Bank Region of The Gambia. The airport serves the town of Kerewan and surrounding rural communities. It is primarily a domestic airport with very limited international traffic. Historically, Kerewan served as a small airstrip for local flights, helping to connect Gambians in the northern region with the capital, Banjul.
The airport’s importance has diminished over time as other regional airports, such as Banjul International and Basse Santa Su, have taken on greater roles in the country’s air transportation network. Despite its small size and limited infrastructure, Kerewan Airport continues to serve as a vital link for the northern parts of the country, especially for locals.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Kerewan Airport has a short runway of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), which limits its use to small aircraft and light planes. This runway length is not sufficient for commercial jets or large aircraft. As such, the airport mainly accommodates smaller turboprops and private aircraft.
Facilities at Kerewan Airport are extremely basic, with no dedicated passenger lounges or advanced services. Ground handling and security are rudimentary, and the airport does not provide cargo services. It primarily serves as a regional airstrip for domestic flights and is not designed to handle large numbers of passengers or significant amounts of cargo.