Smara Airport (GMMA)
Medium airport · Smara, (unassigned), Western Sahara (disputed territory)
Airport data
| Name | Smara Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | GMMA |
| IATA | SMW |
| Elevation | 350 ft (107 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 26°43'55" W 11°41'1" 26.73199, -11.68365 |
| Location | Smara, (unassigned), Western Sahara (disputed territory) |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/34 | 9,843 ft (3000 m) | 100 ft | ASP | Yes |
Smara Airport at a glance
Smara Airport is a medium airport in Smara, (unassigned), Western Sahara (disputed territory), known to airline systems as SMW. The field elevation of 350 ft (107 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at GMMA 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, 16/34, offers 9,843 ft (3000 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 16 points roughly 160° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for GMMA 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 Smara Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Laayoune Hassan I International Airport | GMML | 159 km (86 NM) |
| Tan Tan Airport | GMAT | 198 km (107 NM) |
| Mahbes Airbase | GMAR | 266 km (144 NM) |
| Fuerteventura Airport | GCFV | 288 km (156 NM) |
| Jarde Airport | GCAT | 292 km (158 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Smara Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 350 ft field elevation of Smara 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 4 airports and airfields we list for Western Sahara (disputed territory) — 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 Smara Airport
What is the ICAO code of Smara Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Smara Airport is GMMA, and its IATA code is SMW. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Smara Airport above sea level?
Smara Airport sits at an elevation of 350 feet (107 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Smara Airport located?
The airport lies at 26.7320, -11.6837 — in Smara, (unassigned), Western Sahara (disputed territory), in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Laayoune Hassan I International Airport, about 159 km away.
Does GMMA publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for GMMA 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 Smara Airport?
Smara Airport has one runway. The longest, 16/34, measures 9,843 ft (3000 m) with a ASP surface.