Timbuktu Airport (TOM)

Timbuktu, ML 🇲🇱 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

GATB

IATA

TOM

Elevation

863 ft

Region

ML-7

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: GATB

Local Code: Not available

Location: 16.730499° N, -3.00758° E

Continent: AF

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Timbuctoo Airport Tombouctou Airport Tumbutu Airport Tombouktou Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia ✓ Live Flights
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler sentiment regarding Timbuktu Airport (GATB (TOM)) is largely influenced by the challenging security situation in the region, making visits an adventurous and often complex endeavor. While the airport serves as a gateway to the historic city, the overall experience is characterized by a strong security presence and limited amenities. Travelers' satisfaction often stems from the unique opportunity to visit Timbuktu itself, rather than the airport's facilities.

What Travelers Love
  • Access to Timbuktu: The airport provides the primary (and often only safe) means of reaching the historic city of Timbuktu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by air.
  • Relatively Quick Immigration/Passport Control: Estimated wait times for immigration and passport control are around 8 minutes.
  • Culturally Inspired Terminal Design: The main terminal's architecture is designed to resemble Mali's traditional mud brick style.
Common Complaints
  • Overwhelming Security Presence and Regional Instability: The airport and surrounding area are heavily militarized, with a visible presence of army planes, helicopters, and soldiers. There have been reports of attacks in the vicinity, including shelling of the airport in June 2025, highlighting ongoing security concerns. Taking photos of military personnel can lead to serious issues.
  • Limited Facilities and Amenities: Timbuktu Airport has a small terminal with basic amenities. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet zones, airport lounges, or confirmed 24-hour food options, WiFi, or mobile charging points.
  • Rigorous Security Screening: Outbound security checks are described as very rigorous, involving detailed examinations of vehicles with metal detectors and sniffer dogs. Estimated security wait times are around 29-30 minutes.
  • Lack of Independent Transportation/Parking: There are no hotels directly at the airport, and transportation to and from the city center (a 10+ minute drive) is typically pre-arranged and heavily secured due to the security situation, rather than relying on standard public transport or personal parking.

Visiting Timbuktu Airport is not a typical travel experience, but rather one undertaken by individuals seeking a significant adventure in a region with considerable security challenges. The airport primarily functions as a secure entry and exit point, with the overall journey heavily reliant on organized tours and stringent security protocols.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

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Top Airlines

Operating at Timbuktu Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Sky Mali
FML / ML
1 1 1 Aug 11, 2025
Showing top 1 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
07/25 6923 ft 98 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
TWR TWR 118.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
SKO Sikasso VOR-DME 116500 kHz
TB Tombouctou NDB 268 kHz
TBT Tombouctou VOR-DME 117300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are the primary mode of transportation from the airport to the city. They are generally available to meet arriving flights. It is highly recommended to negotiate and agree upon the fare with the driver before beginning your trip, as vehicles are not metered. Arranging a pickup in advance through your hotel is also a common and reliable option.

Rental Cars

There are no formal international or local car rental agencies operating at Timbuktu Airport. Vehicle hire, which is typically a 4x4 vehicle with a private driver, must be arranged in advance through local tour operators or hotels. Self-drive rentals are generally not available or recommended.

Public Transportation

There are no scheduled public bus, shuttle, or train services that connect to Timbuktu Airport. Ground transportation is limited to taxis or pre-arranged private vehicle transfers.

Nearby Airports

Goundam Airport
GUD • GAGM
Goundam, ML
Small Airport
~76 km away
Niafunke Airport
GANF
Niafunke, ML
Small Airport
~139 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.