Modibo Keita International Airport (GABS)

Large airport · Bamako, Koulikoro Region, Mali

Airport data

NameModibo Keita International Airport
ICAOGABS
IATABKO
Elevation1,247 ft (380 m) above mean sea level
CoordinatesN 12°32'1" W 7°56'60"
12.53350, -7.94994
LocationBamako, Koulikoro Region, Mali
Scheduled serviceYes

About Modibo Keita International Airport on Wikipedia

Runways

RunwayLengthWidthSurfaceLighted
06/2410,498 ft (3200 m)148 ftASPYes

Modibo Keita International Airport at a glance

Modibo Keita International Airport is a large airport in Bamako, Koulikoro Region, Mali, known to airline systems as BKO. The field elevation of 1,247 ft (380 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at GABS are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.

The single runway, 06/24, offers 10,498 ft (3200 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 06 points roughly 60° magnetic.

For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for GABS shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.

Nearest airports to Modibo Keita International Airport

Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.

AirportCodeDistance
Bobo Dioulasso AirportDFOO422 km (228 NM)
Kayes Dag Dag AirportGAKD431 km (233 NM)
Korhogo AirportDIKO437 km (236 NM)
Kédougou AirportGOTK464 km (251 NM)
Mopti AirportGAMB473 km (255 NM)

Flight-planning notes for Modibo Keita International Airport

Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 1,247 ft field elevation of Modibo Keita International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.

This entry is one of 5 airports and airfields we list for Mali — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.

Where this data comes from

The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.

Frequently asked questions about Modibo Keita International Airport

What is the ICAO code of Modibo Keita International Airport?

The ICAO identifier of Modibo Keita International Airport is GABS, and its IATA code is BKO. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.

How high is Modibo Keita International Airport above sea level?

Modibo Keita International Airport sits at an elevation of 1,247 feet (380 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.

Where exactly is Modibo Keita International Airport located?

The airport lies at 12.5335, -7.9499 — in Bamako, Koulikoro Region, Mali, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Bobo Dioulasso Airport, about 422 km away.

Does GABS publish METAR weather reports?

Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for GABS appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.

How long is the runway at Modibo Keita International Airport?

Modibo Keita International Airport has one runway. The longest, 06/24, measures 10,498 ft (3200 m) with a ASP surface.

Current METAR & TAF for GABS