Kankan Airport

The primary reason for closure was urban encroachment and safety. GUXN was located in what became the center of the city of Kankan. As the city expanded rapidly, buildings and population density grew right up to the airport's boundaries. This made flight operations increasingly hazardous, limited any possibility of runway extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and created significant noise issues for residents. Consequently, a decision was made to build a new, more modern airport at a safer distance (approx. 15 km southeast) from the city center.

The airport is completely defunct and the site has been fully redeveloped. Satellite imagery of the coordinates (10.394, -9.3038) shows that the former airport grounds are now a dense urban neighborhood. The distinct linear path of the former runway has been repurposed into city streets and is now covered with residential and commercial buildings. No remnants of the runway, taxiways, or terminal buildings exist. The airport's 'ghost' is only visible in the alignment of the modern street grid that follows its former path.

GUXN was the original and principal airport for Kankan, the second-largest city in Guinea and a crucial administrative and commercial hub for the Upper Guinea region. Established likely during the French colonial period, it was a vital piece of infrastructure connecting the remote interior with the capital, Conakry. The airport primarily handled domestic flights for government officials, mail transport, and limited passenger and cargo services. It would have accommodated smaller propeller-driven aircraft of the era, such as the Douglas DC-3, serving as a key link in the national transportation network before being made obsolete by urban growth and aviation technology advancements.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Kankan Airport (GUXN). The land has been completely absorbed by the city of Kankan and is now a developed urban area. Furthermore, the city and region are adequately served by the active Kankan Diankana Airport (GUXK), which has a longer runway and modern facilities capable of handling current air traffic needs. Reopening the old site is physically and logistically impossible.