List of Airports in Guinea-Bissau
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the country of Guinea-Bissau according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Guinea-Bissau are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Guinea-Bissau
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bubaque Airport | BQE | Bubaque | Small |
| 2 | Buochs Airport | BXO | Buochs | Small |
| 3 | Osvaldo Vieira Airport | OXB | Bissau | Medium |
Major Airports in Guinea-Bissau
1. Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB)
Airport Code: OXB
Time Zone: UTC +0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address: Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Nearby Cities:
- Bissau (Located in the city center)
- Bula (4 miles)
- Bafata (93 miles)
- Cacheu (116 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- TAP Air Portugal
- Royal Air Maroc
- Senegal Airlines
- Gambia Bird
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is located in the capital city of Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, and serves as the country’s primary international and domestic air transport hub. The airport is named after Osvaldo Vieira, a prominent figure in Guinea-Bissau’s history, and it plays a crucial role in connecting Guinea-Bissau with the rest of West Africa and the world.
The airport’s history dates back to its establishment in the 1950s, during the colonial era when it was initially a military airfield. After Guinea-Bissau gained independence in 1973, the airport underwent significant transformations to become the main civilian gateway to the country. Over the years, the airport has seen various improvements, including the construction of a new terminal and upgrades to its runway and infrastructure, which helped it handle increasing passenger numbers.
Despite its important role in connecting the country to the outside world, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport remains relatively small in comparison to other international airports in West Africa. It primarily handles regional flights within Africa, with occasional international connections to Europe, particularly to Lisbon and Casablanca. The airport also plays a crucial role in supporting business and tourism activities in Guinea-Bissau.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport has limited infrastructure, though it is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights.
- Runways:
- Runway 12/30: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet), Asphalt
The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, but it is not suited for large, wide-body jets. This limits the number of airlines and aircraft that can operate from the airport, which mainly serves regional flights to neighboring countries. The airport’s terminal facilities are modest, providing basic services such as ticket counters, a small duty-free shop, and limited food and beverage options for travelers.
While Osvaldo Vieira International Airport does not cater to large international traffic on a daily basis, it remains a vital link for Guinea-Bissau. Ground transportation options include taxis, private vehicles, and buses connecting the airport to the city and surrounding regions.
2. Bafata Airport (BFA)
Airport Code: BFA
Time Zone: UTC +0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address: Bafata Airport, Bafata, Guinea-Bissau
Nearby Cities:
- Bafata (Located in the city center)
- Bissau (93 miles)
- Cacheu (116 miles)
- Bula (83 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None currently (mostly small regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000 to 20,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Bafata Airport is located in Bafata, the second-largest city in Guinea-Bissau. Unlike Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bafata serves mainly domestic flights and is a regional airport. It was originally built during the colonial era and served as a small airstrip to connect Bafata with other parts of the country.
Bafata is historically significant as it was a major administrative and military center during the colonial period, and the airport has played an important role in supporting the city’s development and connectivity. However, since Guinea-Bissau’s independence, Bafata Airport’s role has been primarily regional, with limited international flights due to its small size and infrastructure constraints.
Over time, the airport has seen limited upgrades, and it currently handles fewer flights compared to Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. Bafata remains an important stop for regional flights, especially for locals and travelers who need access to Guinea-Bissau’s southern regions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bafata Airport is a small regional airport, primarily supporting domestic and regional flights.
- Runways:
- Runway 06/24: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), Asphalt
The runway length at Bafata Airport is sufficient for small aircraft, but it is not capable of handling large commercial jets. There are no wide-body aircraft services at Bafata, and the airport lacks advanced infrastructure such as baggage handling or customs facilities. The terminal is very basic, with limited amenities, and services are minimal.
Bafata Airport plays an essential role in regional air travel but does not have the capacity to handle international flights or large passenger numbers. Ground transportation options from the airport include taxis and private vehicles, which offer connections to Bafata and surrounding areas.
3. Cacheu Airport (CAX)
Airport Code: CAX
Time Zone: UTC +0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address: Cacheu Airport, Cacheu, Guinea-Bissau
Nearby Cities:
- Cacheu (Located in the city center)
- Bissau (116 miles)
- Bafata (128 miles)
- Bula (76 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None currently (mostly small regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Less than 10,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Cacheu Airport is located in the northern part of Guinea-Bissau, serving the city of Cacheu. The airport is relatively small and has limited commercial operations, mostly serving local flights to other regions of the country. Cacheu is one of the oldest cities in Guinea-Bissau and was historically an important port and trade center during colonial times. The airport is positioned strategically to support the city’s access to the rest of Guinea-Bissau and is critical for local connectivity.
Historically, Cacheu was an important hub for agriculture and trade, and the airport continues to serve as a regional connector. However, like other smaller airports in Guinea-Bissau, Cacheu has limited infrastructure and does not receive regular international flights. It mainly facilitates travel between the northern regions of the country and Bissau, Guinea-Bissau’s capital.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Cacheu Airport has minimal infrastructure and operates primarily for regional flights.
- Runways:
- Runway 06/24: 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), Asphalt
The runway at Cacheu Airport is shorter than those at other major airports in Guinea-Bissau, limiting the size of aircraft that can land and take off. It is capable of handling small to medium-sized regional aircraft, but it is not suitable for larger jets or wide-body aircraft. The airport’s terminal is small and provides basic services, including a waiting area and check-in facilities.
Due to its limited facilities and low passenger traffic, Cacheu Airport is mainly used for domestic flights and does not serve as a major international gateway. Transportation to and from the airport is mainly via private vehicles or taxis.
4. Bissau Aerodrome (BSG)
Airport Code: BSG
Time Zone: UTC +0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address: Bissau Aerodrome, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Nearby Cities:
- Bissau (Located in the city center)
- Bula (4 miles)
- Farim (50 miles)
- Bafata (93 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (primarily used for domestic purposes)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approx. 5,000 to 10,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Bissau Aerodrome is located in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, and serves mainly as a domestic aviation hub for the country. It is an essential airstrip for military and governmental use, in addition to regional commercial flights. The aerodrome was originally constructed for military and logistical purposes and has remained relatively small in scale, focusing primarily on short-haul domestic flights.
Although not as busy as Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau Aerodrome provides a critical service for Guinea-Bissau’s transportation infrastructure. Its location within the capital city makes it convenient for short domestic trips, including access to neighboring regions like the Bafata and Cacheu areas.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bissau Aerodrome is a basic, functional airstrip, suitable for smaller aircraft and regional flights.
- Runways:
- Runway 08/26: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), Grass/Asphalt
Due to the smaller size of the runway, Bissau Aerodrome is not capable of accommodating large aircraft or wide-body jets. The infrastructure is minimal, with only basic amenities provided for travelers.