Top 10 Airports In Gabon International And Domestic Airlines

Commercial aeroplane parked on the runway with signage on the aeroplane build and grass

Gabon is a Central African country providing an expanding aviation market and a network of airports serving its main cities and remote areas. The airports in Gabon are integral to domestic and international travel, supporting sectors such as oil and gas, forestry, and tourism. These airports are the main access point, with the majority of international flights, and a base for domestic airlines and other important airports that handle commercial and industrial traffic. Several regional airports also offer air service to remote areas and the modernisation of its airports is an important national investment.

10 Important Airports In Gabon

Here are ten key airports every tourist should know when planning a trip to Gabon for a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

1. Léon M’Ba International Airport / Libreville

Green, red and white aeroplane parked on the runway of an airport with a man standing

Photo: Sm105 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Léon M’Ba International Airport is the largest and most active airport in Gabon, situated in Libreville. It is also the principal port of entry for both international and domestic air travel, with over a million passengers passing through its gates every year. The terminal also features modern amenities like immigration and customs services, duty-free shops, VIP lounges, and car rental services. It serves as a major hub for airlines and has direct service to destinations in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

IATA Code: LBV
ICAO Code: FOOL
Runway Length: 3,120 metres (9,843 feet)
Primary Airlines: Air France, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir

2. Port-Gentil International Airport

Port Gentil International Airport with tall lights, the airport building and a control tower

Photo: AchilleT / Wikimedia Commons

Port-Gentil International is the second-busiest airport in Gabon, serving a coastal city that is a major hub for the oil and gas industry. It is essential for moving workers and equipment to offshore oilfields and other industrial sites. It features a single asphalt runway for medium-sized commercial aircraft and provides the only transport route between Port-Gentil and Libreville, as well as some international locations. The airport handles a large volume of corporate and charter flights due to its significance for business travel.

IATA Code: POG
ICAO Code: FOOG
Runway Length: 2,600 metres (8,530 feet)
Main Airlines: Afrijet, Air Côte d’Ivoire

3. M’Vengue El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba International Airport

Terminal building of M'Vengue El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba International Airport and flags

Photo: Encyclobel / Wikimedia Commons

M’Vengue El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba International Airport serves Franceville, an important city in southeastern Gabon. It is one of the largest airports in Gabon, playing a crucial role in domestic and certain international transportation. It has one long asphalt runway that can accommodate medium and large aircraft. It mainly manages flights that go to and from Libreville, both business and leisure. The airport, located near mining and industrial areas, plays a large role in supporting regional economic activities by accommodating personnel and cargo transit.

IATA Code: MVB
ICAO Code: FOON
Runway Length: 3,150 metres (10,335 feet)
Key Airlines: Afrijet

4. Koulamoutou Airport

Big commercial aeroplane parked on the runway with orange and red stripes on the aircraft

Photo: Eric Salard / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Koulamoutou Airport is an airport serving Koulamoutou, the capital of the Ogooué-Lolo Province in central Gabon. It mainly serves domestic flights, linking the area to Libreville and several bigger cities. The airport has just a single cinder runway, so it can only handle small and charter aircraft. Nevertheless, its simple infrastructure is an important mode of transport, which provides access to remote areas where roads are impassable, especially during the rainy season. There are only basic check-in and waiting areas for passenger facilities and it has no major commercial services, including shops or lounges.

IATA Code: KOU
ICAO Code: FOGO
Runway Length: Approximately 1,800 metres
Usage: Regional flights, general aviation

5. Makokou Airport

Big commercial aeroplane landing at an airport with multiple aeroplanes parked in the back

Photo: Andrew Cutajar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Makokou Airport is an airport serving Makokou, the capital city of Ogooué-Ivindo province in northeastern Gabon. It primarily serves domestic flights and is an important link for this remote part of the nation. It has one unpaved runway, so only small aircraft can land and no large-scale commercial service is practical. It is especially important for government travel, nature conservation and emergency medical evacuations because Makokou lies next to Ivindo National Park, a critical ecological region. The airport is also involved in the delivery of humanitarian assistance, particularly during bad weather that makes roads inaccessible.

IATA Code: MKU
ICAO Code: FOGM
Runway Length: About 1,600 metres
Primary Use: Domestic travel, forestry and conservation-related flights

6. Mouila Airport

Blue and white commercial aeroplane on the runway of an airport with green trees and plains

Photo: Pieter van Marion / Wikimedia Commons

Mouila Airport is located near the city of Mouila, the capital of Ngounié Province in southern Gabon. It largely operates domestic flights, which connect the region to Libreville and elsewhere. It has an asphalt runway that caters to small to medium-size aircraft. Because of the limited roads in the region, it is a critical piece of infrastructure for government travel, business movement and emergency medical airlift. It also boosts regional economic activities, especially in agriculture and forestry, as goods and personnel can get to the airports. The passenger facilities are basic, with a handful of check-in counters, a small waiting room and few commercial services.

IATA Code: MJL
ICAO Code: FOGI
Runway Length: Approx. 1,900 meters

7. Oyem Airport

Big white propeller engine aeroplane with a luggage trolley near the aeroplane and people

Photo: GualdimG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Oyem Airport is an airport serving Oyem, the capital of Woleu-Ntem Province in northern Gabon. It primarily helps domestic travel, connecting this northern region with Libreville in the air. The airport features a single asphalt runway suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft, providing an important transportation service to local businesses and government officials as well as occasional charters. Due to its location on the Cameroon border, the airport facilitates cross-border movement and trade. It is especially crucial for medical evacuations and emergency flights because road access can be difficult.

IATA Code: OYE
ICAO Code: FOGO
Runway Length: About 1,700 meters
Primary Use: Local aviation, occasional charter services

8. Tchibanga Airport

White Airbus A330 aeroplane taking off from the runway at an airport with green plains

Photo: Juke Schweizer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Tchibanga Airport is an airport serving Tchibanga, the capital of Nyanga Province in southwestern Gabon. It mostly serves domestic flights within the country to Libreville and other major urban centres. There is one runway, which accommodates small to medium-sized aircraft, making it an important transportation link for government officials, local businesses and medical evacuations. Its remote location makes the airport critical for the transport of goods, especially for the forestry and agricultural industries, both of which are inextricably linked to the economy of the region.

IATA Code: TCH
ICAO Code: FOGT
Runway Length: Approximately 1,800 meters
Usage: Domestic travel, limited commercial activity

9. Lambaréné Airport

White and red Airbus A320 commercial aeroplane parked on a runway with other aeroplanes

Photo: Anna Zvereva / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Lambaréné Airport is located in the city of Lambaréné in the province of Moyen-Ogooué, which is known for the historical and medical importance of the Albert Schweitzer Hospital. The airport serves domestic flights to Libreville and other cities. Its single runway is large enough for small aircraft, making it a critical transportation hub for medical evacuations, government travel and business operations. It has also aided regional economic activities, such as fishing and agriculture, by providing an alternative to road transport networks, particularly during the rainy seasons.

IATA Code: LBQ
ICAO Code: FOGR
Runway Length: Around 1,700 metres
Primary Use: Domestic flights, medical transport

10. Gamba Airport

Couple of commercial aeroplanes on the runway with airport buildings in the background

Photo: Alf van Beem / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Gamba airport caters to Gamba, a town in south-western Gabon that is a key hub for the oil and gas sector. It is a general aviation airport used mainly for charter and corporate flights carrying industry workers and equipment to and from oil production sites run by major energy companies. Part of the airport’s significance is its remote location and limited road access, making it a critical transportation link for personnel and cargo. Besides its role in supporting industry, Gamba Airport is also used for medical evacuation and humanitarian purposes.

IATA Code: GAX
ICAO Code: FOGX
Runway Length: Approx. 1,900 metres
Primary Use: Oil industry logistics, charter services

Gabon’s aviation sector plays a vital role in linking its diverse cities and communities, from urban hubs to rural areas. These airports in Gabon are links that function as primary getaways and support the oil, gas, and forestry industries. Regional airports, smaller and less well-equipped, offer essential connections for domestic travel and emergency medical travel. This network is a crucial element of its economy and transportation system. Plan your journey with TripXL and understand the basics of your trip.

Cover Photo: Jeffry S.S. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many international airlines fly to Gabon. Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and RwandAir have direct connections to cities such as Paris, Addis Ababa and Istanbul. Regional carriers, including ASKY Airlines and Royal Air Maroc, offer flights to other African countries.
Taxis, private car rentals, and airport shuttle services can be found at Libreville International Airport and other main airports in Gabon. Ride-hailing apps are not widely used, but plenty of hotels provide airport transfers. Consider booking a ride ahead of time, especially if you arrive late in the evening.
In Gabon, Afrijet and Nationale Régionale Transport (NRT) are the main domestic airlines. Regular connections to and from Libreville, Port-Gentil, Franceville and other regional cities are provided by these airlines. It is advised to book flights well in advance, as airlines have limited daily schedules.
French is the official language and the majority of the airport personnel speak French. Some staff, especially at international terminals, speak English, but the level of proficiency varies.
Libreville International Airport offers services including wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and other facilities for disabled passengers. It’s best to let the airline know ahead of time to accommodate special services.

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