Top 10 Airports In Central African Republic: Flying Made Easy

Red and white commercial aeroplane taking off from an airport with a distant building

Airports in the Central African Republic play a vital role in connecting this landlocked nation, where road access is often limited. The country has one main international airport and several smaller regional airports that provide essential links to remote areas. These airports support domestic travel, humanitarian aid, and military operations. Travellers should prepare carefully, ensuring they have the necessary travel permits, transportation, and security arrangements before arriving in the Central African Republic.

10 Airports In Central African Republic

If your journey encompasses an official visit, humanitarian trip, or domestic travel, the following list arms you with the best guidance on the airports in the Central African Republic:

1. Bangui M’Poko International Airport

Bangui M'Poko International Airport from above with a long runway and distant buildings

Photo: Minakadmc / Wikimedia Commons

Among the airports in the Central African Republic, the largest and only international airport is Bangui M’Poko International Airport / BGF, which serves as the country’s main gateway to international destinations. About 7 km from Bangui’s city centre, the airport serves commercial, cargo, and military flights. Air France, ASKY Airlines and Kenya Airways have some flights to Paris, Lomé and Nairobi. The airport also acts as a hub for humanitarian organisations, U.N. missions and military transport. But there are not many luxury facilities, with access to food services and waiting areas limited.

Nearby Hotels: Ledger Plaza Bangui, JM Résidence, Oubangui Hotel

2. Bambari Airport

An AirAsia Airbus A320 aircraft with red and white livery flying under a clear blue sky

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

Bambari Airport is a small domestic airport serving the town of Bambari in the Central African Republic. It is primarily used by humanitarian organisations, UN peacekeeping forces and private charters because of the area’s instability. An unpaved dirt runway at the airport makes it at risk of flooding in the rainy season. No commercial flights are available, and any arrivals or departures must be cleared in advance. The absence of terminal infrastructure requires travellers to handle logistics in advance, including security escorts if needed. Because it is in a war zone, airport access can sometimes be cut, depending on how dangerous the area is.

Nearby Hotels: Auberge de Bambari, Hotel Safina Bambari

3. Bouar Airport

Commercial jet aeroplanes parked on the concrete runway of an airport under a cloudy sky

Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bouar Airport is a small domestic airport and caters mostly to humanitarian organisations, military operations and government officials. It has a dirt runway, which limits the airport to small planes and cargo. The region’s volatile security conditions mean flights are often arranged through UN agencies or NGOs and access is at times limited. The airport has no passenger services like ticketing offices, lounges, or fuel, and according to visiting bus passengers, it is noted for being one of the strangest airports in the Central African Republic. No commercial airlines fly into this airport, making all flights private or humanitarian.

Nearby Hotels: Hotel Central Bouar, Auberge de Bouar

4. Berbérati Airport

A passenger airplane parked on a wet tarmac under a cloudy sky, with mobile stairs nearby

Photo: Pascal Meier / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Berbérati Airport is one of the third-busiest airports in the Central African Republic, serving domestic flights, charter services, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. It is a small airport, with no major airline serving it. Its dirt runway complicates such operations, especially during the rainy season when it becomes muddy and less usable. A formal passenger terminal does not exist and travellers should not anticipate commercial flight services. Still, the airport is an important link for humanitarian workers and government officials.

Nearby Hotels: Hotel Le Relais de Berberati, Auberge de Berberati

5. Bria Airport

Small propeller aircraft parked on an airstrip and a man standing next to the aircraft

Photo: Rundvald / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bria Airport is a small regional airport that mainly serves humanitarian and government activities. Bria is an important trading town, but travel to the area is difficult because it is frequently in conflict. There are no commercial airlines that fly here, and flights are primarily for medical evacuations, U.N. missions and aid deliveries. There’s not even a passenger terminal, waiting areas, or commercial facilities at the airport. Its dirt runway is prone to flooding, making flights difficult during the rainy season.

Nearby Hotels: Limited accommodations, only guesthouses and local lodges

6. Bossangoa Airport

A light blue and white aeroplane taking off from the runway at an airport with greenery

Photo: Jonathan Palombo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bossangoa Airport is a small grass airstrip serving the agricultural town of Bossangoa. The airport is primarily being used for humanitarian missions, government operations and emergency aid flights. No commercial airlines fly here, and the airstrip is only used by small aircraft because of its primitive infrastructure and unpaved runway. Public travellers to Bossangoa should arrange transport in advance, as there is limited public transport.

Nearby Hotels: Auberge de Bossangoa, local guesthouses

7. Bangassou Airport

Large commercial aeroplane parked at the runway of an airport and a red cylinder

Photo: USAID / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bangassou Airport is located near the town of Bangassou, a crossroads town near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This, among other airports in the Central African Republic, is relatively small and is mainly used for domestic flights, humanitarian missions, and emergency flights. Commercial airlines do not fly here, and most flights are chartered by non-governmental organisations or the United Nations. There are no formal terminals, check-in counters or any of the usual passenger services.

Nearby Hotels: Hotel Central Bangassou, Auberge de Bangassou

8. Birao Airport

A propeller aircraft landing on a sandy airstrip and another aeroplane in the back

Photo: Julien Harneis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This remote airstrip is at Birao, serving the town of Birao in the vicinity of the Sudanese border. The airport is mainly used for military, humanitarian and emergency response flights because of its isolated location and ongoing regional conflicts. The airport consists of a simple dirt runway with no paving, which makes it difficult to handle in poor weather. The security situation in this region is still worrisome, and the movement is frequently limited by hostilities.

Nearby Hotels: Limited accommodation, only small guest houses available

9. Bozoum Airport

A white small propeller aircraft parked on an airstrip with big wheels and greenery

Photo: Michelle Ann Juma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Bozoum Airport serves the small town of Bozoum, an important trade and agricultural centre in the country’s northwestern reaches. The airport is mostly used by humanitarian organisations, government officials and private charter flights. Commercial airlines do not fly here and the airport takes only small aircraft, with its unpaved dirt runway limiting its capacity. Weather, including heavy rain, can make the airstrip hard to use. There is no formal terminal, security or passenger amenities, so travellers need to plan logistics ahead of time.

Nearby Hotels: Limited accommodations, small guest houses available

10. Carnot Airport

Commercial aeroplane taking off from the runway at the airport with surrounding green land

Photo: Riik@mctr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Carnot Airport is a small domestic airstrip next to the town of Carnot, a region renowned for its trade and diamond mining industry. This airport also caters primarily to government, NGO and humanitarian flights, with no scheduled commercial airline service. It has a dirt runway so flying in the rainy season is challenging. Because there are no actual airports with infrastructure to support jetliners, passengers need to book transportation and accommodations ahead of time. It lacks terminals, baggage handling services, restaurants and a minimal security presence.

Nearby Hotels: Auberge de Carnot, Hotel du Centre Carnot

The Central African Republic’s airports play a vital role in connecting remote regions, supporting humanitarian aid, government missions, and limited domestic flights. Most airstrips are unpaved, and travel can be affected by seasonal weather conditions. With minimal facilities, accommodation, and transport options nearby, careful planning is essential. Book your journey with TripXL and prepare for a truly unique adventure.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The Central African Republic has more than 30 airports, but only a handful are functional as civilian airstrips.
Some CAR-based major airlines include Air France, Kenya Airways, and ASKY Airlines.
The highest-seated airport in CAR is Bouar Airport / FEFO, situated at 1,050 meters above sea level.
Yes, there is car rental, but there is minimal availability and it is expensive.
Dry season is the ideal time to fly, as the unpaved runways are still usable. The rainy season can result in flight cancellations from flooded runways and poor visibility.

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