Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO)
Bamako, ML 🇲🇱 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
GABS
IATA
BKO
Elevation
1247 ft
Region
ML-2
Local Time
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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: GABS
Local Code: Not available
Location: 12.5335° N, -7.94994° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Senou Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Travelers at Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) in Bamako, ML, generally experience an airport with basic facilities but one that has undergone modernization efforts to enhance the passenger experience. While the airside is often described as calmer, the initial check-in and security processes can be chaotic and confusing. Overall sentiment points to an airport that serves its purpose as Mali's primary international gateway, with ongoing improvements to its infrastructure.
What Travelers Love
- Modernized infrastructure: Recent upgrades have introduced modern check-in counters, improved baggage handling systems, and expanded areas for customs and immigration, aiming to streamline passenger flow and enhance the airport's competitive position.
- Essential amenities available: The airport provides essential facilities such as currency exchange services, telecommunication kiosks for local SIM cards, car rental agencies, and duty-free shops offering local crafts and international goods.
- Airport lounges: Dedicated lounges are available, offering a comfortable and quiet space for business and first-class travelers, often including Wi-Fi access.
- Cultural shopping opportunities: Travelers can find unique handicrafts showcasing Malian culture in the airport shops.
Common Complaints
- Chaotic check-in and security: The processes for check-in and security are frequently described as chaotic and confusing.
- Basic facilities and limited amenities: While there are essential services, overall facilities are considered basic. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, cots, luggage storage, lockers, or showers.
- Hectic landside environment: The landside area can be hectic, with reports of aggressive vendors, making it less ideal for relaxation or sleeping.
- Variable security wait times: While some data indicates relatively short wait times (e.g., 11 minutes for security checkpoint, 9 minutes for immigration as of November 25, 2025), other reports suggest security wait times can be around 25 minutes.
Modibo Keita International Airport continues to evolve, with significant investments aimed at improving its operational efficiency and passenger comfort. While travelers should be prepared for potentially chaotic initial processes and basic amenities, the airport is an important and improving hub for regional and international travel to and from Mali.
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Airport Routes
Modibo Keita International Airport (BKO) offers 30 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Air Senegal, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Cote D'Ivoire and others. Popular destinations from Bamako include Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny Int'l), Blaise Diagne, Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l), Ouagadougou and Nouakchott–Oumtounsy Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny Int'l) (ABJ) 7
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) 4
- Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) (CKY) 3
- Ouagadougou (OUA) 3
- Nouakchott–Oumtounsy Int'l (NKC) 2
- Mopti (Barbe) (MZI) 1
- Tombouctou (TOM) 1
- Mohammed V Int'l (CMN) 1
- Bole Int'l (ADD) 1
- Paris Orly (ORY) 1
- Cadjehoun (Cotonou) (COO) 1
- Istanbul Airport (IST) 1
Newly Discovered
- Mohammed V Int'l (CMN) new
- Port Bouet (Felix Houphouet Boigny Int'l) (ABJ) new
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) new
- Ouagadougou (OUA) new
- Bole Int'l (ADD) new
- Gao Int'l (Korogoussou) (GAQ) new
- Lome (LFW) new
- Cadjehoun (Cotonou) (COO) new
- Conakry Int'l (Gbessia Int'l) (CKY) new
- Kayes (KYS) new
- Paris Orly (ORY) new
- Nouakchott–Oumtounsy Int'l (NKC) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Modibo Keita International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Senegal
SZN
/ HC
|
4 | 264 | 4 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
2 | 245 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Air Cote D'Ivoire
VRE
/ HF
|
2 | 206 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
ASKY Airlines
SKK
/ KP
|
4 | 197 | 4 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Royal Air Maroc
RAM
/ AT
|
2 | 185 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Sky Mali
FML
/ ML
|
6 | 183 | 6 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Turkish Airlines
THY
/ TK
|
2 | 111 | 2 | Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Corsair International
CRL
/ SS
|
3 | 100 | 3 | Jan 29, 2026 |
|
Tunisair
TAR
/ TU
|
1 | 41 | 1 | Jan 27, 2026 |
|
Groupe Transair
GTS
/ R2
|
2 | 35 | 2 | Oct 26, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
10498 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/G | A/G | 667.3 MHz |
| ACC | ACC | 119.1 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.3 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the most common way to get from the airport to the city. They are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. There are no official meters, so it is crucial to negotiate and agree on a fare with the driver before starting your journey. The typical fare to downtown Bamako is around 10,000 to 15,000 CFA Francs (XOF). Ride-sharing apps are not reliably available.
Rental Cars
Several car rental agencies, including international brands like Hertz and Avis as well as local providers, have desks inside the airport terminal. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required in addition to your national driver's license. Be aware that driving conditions in Bamako can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the local traffic.
Public Transportation
There are no formal public bus or train services that directly connect Modibo Keita International Airport to the city center. The primary alternative to taxis is a pre-arranged shuttle service. Many major hotels in Bamako offer airport transfers for their guests, which should be booked in advance of your arrival.