International Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangui M’Poko International Airport | Bangui | BGF | FEFF |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berbérati Airport | Berbérati | BBT | FEFT |
| Bambari Airport | Bambari | BBY | FEFM |
| Bouar Airport | Bouar | None | FEFO |
| Bangassou Airport | Bangassou | BGU | FEFG |
| Bria Airport | Bria | BIV | FEFR |
| Kaga Bandoro Airport | Kaga Bandoro | None | FEFQ |
| Mobaye Airport | Mobaye | None | FEFY |
| Nola Airport | Nola | None | FEFL |
Notes:
- Bangui M’Poko International Airport (BGF) is the main and only airport in the Central African Republic with international status.
- Domestic airports primarily serve smaller towns and are used for regional flights, chartered services, and humanitarian aid operations.
Central African Republic Airports: Infrastructure Upgrades Planned for 2025
The Central African Republic, a landlocked nation in the heart of Africa, relies heavily on its airports for international connections. Despite its limited infrastructure, the country maintains several airports to serve its population and facilitate travel.
The largest and busiest airport in the Central African Republic is Bangui M’Poko International Airport, located near the capital city of Bangui. This airport serves as the main gateway for travellers entering and leaving the country. It handles both domestic and international flights, connecting the Central African Republic to other African nations and beyond.
Besides Bangui M’Poko International Airport, the country has a network of smaller airports scattered across its territory. These regional airports play a crucial role in connecting remote areas to the capital and facilitating internal travel. While many of these airports have limited facilities, they are essential for the country’s transportation needs.
Major Airports and Airlines
The Central African Republic has one main international airport and several smaller domestic airfields. These serve as vital transport links for the landlocked country.
Bangui M’Poko International Airport
Bangui M’Poko International Airport (IATA: BGF, ICAO: FEFF) is the primary gateway to the Central African Republic. Located 7 km north of Bangui, the capital city, it handles most international flights. The airport has a single runway and can accommodate medium-sized aircraft.
Major airlines serving Bangui include Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc. These carriers connect the Central African Republic to Europe, the Middle East, and other African nations. ASKY Airlines also operates regional flights from Bangui.
The airport faced a decline in passenger numbers after 2012 due to regional conflicts. Its annual capacity is about 10,000 travellers.
Domestic Airports and Airstrips
The Central African Republic has a network of smaller airports and airstrips for domestic travel. These facilities are crucial for reaching remote areas where road access is limited.
Key domestic airports include:
- Berbérati Airport
- Bambari Airport
- Bangassou Airport
- Bria Airport
- Bossangoa Airport
Many of these airports have unpaved runways and basic facilities. They mainly serve small propeller aircraft and humanitarian flights. Some airstrips, like those in Yalinga, Bouar, and Carnot, are used for local transport and emergency services.
Domestic air travel is limited, with few scheduled flights. Most internal air transport is done by charter services or NGOs.
Accessibility and Connectivity
The Central African Republic’s airports face challenges in providing comprehensive air links. International and domestic services are limited, impacting travel options for passengers.
International Routes and Services
Bangui M’Poko International Airport serves as the main gateway for international flights in the Central African Republic. The airport connects to a handful of destinations, primarily in Africa and Europe.
Air France operates flights between Bangui and Paris, offering a vital link to Europe. Regional carriers like Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines provide connections to other African cities.
The airport’s IATA code is BGF. International passenger numbers have fluctuated in recent years due to political instability and security concerns.
Internal Connectivity and Domestic Services
Domestic air travel within the Central African Republic is limited. Bangui M’Poko International Airport acts as the hub for internal flights.
A small number of local airlines operate services to secondary cities and towns. These flights are often irregular and subject to cancellations.
The lack of reliable domestic air links poses challenges for travel within the country. Many remote areas remain difficult to access by air, relying on road transport instead.
Efforts to improve internal connectivity are ongoing, but progress has been slow due to infrastructure and economic constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airports in the Central African Republic offer limited international connections and basic facilities. Travellers should be aware of visa requirements and security considerations when flying to this region.
What are the international flight options available at Bangui M’Poko International Airport?
Bangui M’Poko International Airport has flights to 3 destinations. The main airlines serving the airport are Air France and Kenya Airways.
These carriers offer connections to Paris and Nairobi respectively. Regional flights to nearby African countries are also available.
How many airports are there in the Central African Republic equipped for passenger flights?
The Central African Republic has 24 airports with scheduled flights. Bangui M’Poko International Airport is the largest and busiest.
Most other airports in the country handle domestic flights or small regional aircraft. Many have limited infrastructure and services.
What are the visa requirements for travellers flying into the Central African Republic?
Most travellers need a visa to enter the Central African Republic. Visas must typically be obtained in advance from a Central African Republic embassy or consulate.
Some nationalities may be eligible for visas on arrival, but this option is not widely available. Travellers should check current requirements before booking flights.
Are there direct flights from Europe to the Central African Republic?
Air France operates direct flights from Paris to Bangui. This is currently the only direct connection between Europe and the Central African Republic.
Other European travellers typically need to connect through Paris or fly via African hubs like Nairobi or Addis Ababa.
What facilities can passengers expect at the major airports in the Central African Republic?
Facilities at Central African Republic airports are basic. Bangui M’Poko International Airport has a small terminal building with limited shops and services.
Passengers should not expect extensive duty-free shopping, lounges, or dining options. Wi-Fi and other amenities may be unreliable or unavailable.
How are airports in the Central African Republic managing safety and security concerns?
Airport security in the Central African Republic follows international standards, but travellers should remain vigilant. Political instability has affected air travel in the past.
Security measures may include additional passenger screening and restrictions on liquids. Travellers should follow all instructions from airport staff and security personnel.
