List of Airports in Mali
As of 2024, there are 13 airports throughout the country of Mali according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Mali are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Mali
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bamako Airport | BKO | Bamako | Medium |
| 2 | Gao Airport | GAQ | Gao | Small |
| 3 | Goundam Airport | GUD | Goundam | Small |
| 4 | Kayes Airport | KYS | Kayes | Small |
| 5 | Kenieba Airport | KNZ | Kenieba | Small |
| 6 | Koutiala Airport | KTX | Koutiala | Small |
| 7 | Mopti Airport | MZI | Mopti | Small |
| 8 | Nara Airport | NRM | Nara | Small |
| 9 | Nioro Airport | NIX | Nioro | Small |
| 10 | Segou Airport | SZU | Segou | Small |
| 11 | Sikasso Airport | KSS | Sikasso | Small |
| 12 | Tombouctou Airport | TOM | Tombouctou (Timbuktu) | Small |
| 13 | Yelimane Airport | EYL | Yelimane | Small |
Major Airports in Mali
1. Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO)
Airport Code
- BKO
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Bamako, Mali
Nearby Cities
- Bamako (0 miles)
- Kati (8 miles)
- Sikasso (213 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mali
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air France
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 1 million passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) is located in the capital city of Bamako, Mali. It serves as the country’s primary gateway for international and domestic air traffic. The airport was named after the first President of Mali, Modibo Keita, and plays a central role in Mali’s connectivity to the rest of Africa and the world. Originally established as a military airfield during the French colonial era, the airport has undergone several expansions to meet the demands of growing passenger traffic.
Bamako, situated along the Niger River, is the cultural, political, and economic center of Mali. The airport is key to supporting the country’s economy, particularly in terms of facilitating trade, tourism, and governmental operations. Over the years, the airport has become a major hub for both regional and international flights. With direct connections to cities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Modibo Keita International Airport plays a critical role in connecting Mali to the global community.
The airport also supports the movement of goods, including agricultural products, minerals, and textiles, which are central to Mali’s economy. Though the airport’s infrastructure remains relatively modest compared to major international airports, it continues to serve as the most vital transportation link for the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Modibo Keita International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 10/28: 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
This runway is long enough to accommodate narrow-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, and is capable of handling smaller wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330. The terminal features basic amenities, such as check-in counters, baggage handling, restaurants, and duty-free shops. The airport is equipped to handle international arrivals with customs and immigration facilities. Ground transportation includes taxis, car rentals, and bus services, connecting the airport to the city of Bamako and surrounding areas.
2. Senou Airport (BKO)
Airport Code
- BKO
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Bamako, Mali
Nearby Cities
- Bamako (6 miles)
- Kati (9 miles)
- Sikasso (213 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mali
- Royal Air Maroc
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Air France
- Turkish Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 900,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Senou Airport is located approximately 6 miles from Bamako’s city center. As the main international and domestic airport for Mali, Senou has been critical in connecting the country to key international hubs, particularly in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Like Modibo Keita International Airport, Senou Airport was initially a military airfield and later transitioned into a civilian airport.
The airport has undergone gradual expansion and modernization to meet the demands of increased passenger traffic and air freight. It is vital to supporting Mali’s economy, particularly through trade and tourism. Though not as large as many international airports, Senou Airport handles a wide variety of flights, from regional connections to long-haul international services. It is also the base of operations for Mali’s national airline, Air Mali.
The proximity to Bamako, Mali’s capital, makes Senou Airport an essential hub for political, economic, and social activities. While it remains a key transportation point for Malians, it is also crucial for international visitors traveling to explore Mali’s rich cultural history, especially the ancient city of Timbuktu.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Senou Airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
This runway is sufficient for accommodating medium-sized and wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330. The terminal at Senou is equipped with basic services, including customs and immigration facilities, check-in counters, lounges, duty-free shopping, and restaurants. The airport serves both international and domestic flights, and ground transportation options include taxis, buses, and car rentals. The airport has made strides in upgrading its facilities to better serve travelers and improve efficiency in passenger processing.
3. Gao International Airport (GAO)
Airport Code
- GAO
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Gao, Mali
Nearby Cities
- Gao (0 miles)
- Bourem (20 miles)
- Ansongo (70 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mali
- Trans Air Mali
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 50,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Gao International Airport (GAO) is located in the northeastern part of Mali, in the city of Gao, which is situated along the Niger River. Gao is one of Mali’s major historical cities, and the airport plays an important role in connecting the northern regions of Mali to the rest of the country and to international destinations.
The airport was established as a small military airstrip during the colonial era and later adapted for civilian use. It has been upgraded over the years to accommodate domestic flights and limited regional international services. Gao’s airport is essential for linking the city to Mali’s capital, Bamako, and supporting the region’s economic activities, including trade and services.
Due to the strategic importance of the city of Gao, the airport has occasionally been used for humanitarian and military flights, particularly during times of political instability. Despite the challenges faced by the region, Gao International Airport continues to serve as a critical access point for residents and visitors traveling to northern Mali.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Gao International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
The runway is capable of handling narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, but it is not designed for large wide-body jets. The terminal features basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage handling, and customs. Despite its limited capacity, the airport plays a vital role in regional air traffic, particularly for passengers traveling to and from the northern parts of Mali. Ground transportation options are available for passengers, including taxis and local transport to nearby cities and destinations.
4. Mopti Airport (MZI)
Airport Code
- MZI
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Mopti, Mali
Nearby Cities
- Mopti (0 miles)
- Bandiagara (30 miles)
- Djenné (35 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mali
- Trans Air Mali
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 10,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Mopti Airport (MZI) serves the city of Mopti, located in central Mali along the Niger River. Mopti is an important commercial and cultural hub in Mali, often referred to as the “Venice of Mali” due to its unique location along the river and its historical significance. Mopti Airport is vital for providing air travel connections to the more remote parts of Mali, particularly given the city’s role as a transportation hub for goods and people.
The airport was initially established as a small regional airport, but with the development of tourism and increased local travel, the airport has grown in importance. It serves as a link to Bamako and other larger regional airports, while also supporting trade, tourism, and regional development. The airport plays a role in connecting Mopti to significant cultural landmarks like the Bandiagara Escarpment and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Djenné.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mopti Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)
The runway is capable of handling regional aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. While Mopti Airport does not accommodate wide-body jets, it is sufficient for narrow-body aircraft and smaller regional planes. The terminal is equipped with basic services for passengers, including check-in counters, baggage handling, and a waiting area. The airport also serves as an important hub for humanitarian and local flights. Ground transportation is available, with taxis and shuttle services providing access to the city and surrounding areas.
5. Sikasso Airport (SKS)
Airport Code
- SKS
Time Zone
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) UTC +0:00
Address
- Sikasso, Mali
Nearby Cities
- Sikasso (0 miles)
- Bougouni (55 miles)
- Kadiolo (45 miles)
Major Airlines Served
- Air Mali
Annual Passenger Traffic
- Approximately 5,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Sikasso Airport (SKS) serves the city of Sikasso, which is located in southern Mali near the border with Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire. Sikasso is one of the major agricultural centers in Mali, producing crops such as cotton, maize, and millet, making the airport important for both local trade and transportation. The airport plays a minor role in Mali’s broader aviation network, handling primarily domestic flights and regional services.
Sikasso Airport was originally built to serve the southern regions of Mali, connecting the city to the capital, Bamako, and other nearby cities. Despite its small size, the airport is vital for the movement of goods and people within the southern part of the country, especially given Sikasso’s strategic position near neighboring countries. The airport’s limited infrastructure restricts its ability to handle larger aircraft, but it continues to be essential for regional connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Sikasso Airport has one runway:
- Runway 12/30: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet)
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft such as the ATR 72 and regional turboprop planes. It is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft, but it serves well for domestic and regional flights. The terminal offers basic services, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and small waiting areas. Ground transportation to Sikasso’s city center is available, with taxis and private transport providing connections to local hotels and destinations. The airport serves as a critical regional transport point for southern Mali, supporting both passenger traffic and the movement of goods.
