Gao International Airport (GAGO)
Medium airport · Gao, Gao Region, Mali
Airport data
| Name | Gao International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | GAGO |
| IATA | GAQ |
| Elevation | 870 ft (265 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 16°14'54" W 0°0'19" 16.24847, -0.00539 |
| Location | Gao, Gao Region, Mali |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/25 | 8,202 ft (2500 m) | 148 ft | ASP | Yes |
Gao International Airport at a glance
Gao International Airport is a medium airport in Gao, Gao Region, Mali, known to airline systems as GAQ. The field elevation of 870 ft (265 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at GAGO 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, 07/25, offers 8,202 ft (2500 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 07 points roughly 70° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for GAGO 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 Gao International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Tombouktou Airport | GATB | 325 km (176 NM) |
| Diori Hamani International Airport | DRRN | 387 km (209 NM) |
| Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport | DFFD | 463 km (250 NM) |
| Mopti Airport | GAMB | 478 km (258 NM) |
| Bordj Badji Mokhtar Airport | DATM | 579 km (313 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Gao International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 870 ft field elevation of Gao 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 Gao International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Gao International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Gao International Airport is GAGO, and its IATA code is GAQ. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Gao International Airport above sea level?
Gao International Airport sits at an elevation of 870 feet (265 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Gao International Airport located?
The airport lies at 16.2485, -0.0054 — in Gao, Gao Region, Mali, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Tombouktou Airport, about 325 km away.
Does GAGO publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for GAGO 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 Gao International Airport?
Gao International Airport has one runway. The longest, 07/25, measures 8,202 ft (2500 m) with a ASP surface.