Ouagadougou International Airport

Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), officially named after Thomas Sankara, serves as the main aerial gateway to Burkina Faso and the heart of the country's aviation network. Built in the 1960s, it is unique for its location right in the centre of the capital, making it an immediate starting point for exploring this fascinating region. The airport handles the vast majority of the country's commercial flights and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Air Burkina. Having undergone several stages of modernisation, it today offers passengers the necessary level of comfort and safety before their flight.

Despite its relatively small size, Ouagadougou Airport is well-equipped for the needs of travellers. In the single passenger terminal, you will find a VIP lounge for comfortable waiting, several cafes and refreshment areas for a quick bite, as well as duty-free shops and souvenir stalls for last-minute shopping. Passengers also have access to a post office, a bank, a currency exchange bureau, and car rental counters. Thanks to its central location, any point in the city can be reached from the airport in a matter of minutes by taxi, which are always waiting outside the terminal exit.

Below is the essential contact information for passengers departing from or arriving at Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA). Please note that some details may change, and for questions related to your specific flight, it is always best to contact the airline directly.

• Official Website: Currently, Ouagadougou Airport does not have a separate official website. The airport is managed by ASECNA (Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar); general information can be found on their portal www.asecna.aero.
• Information Desk Phone: The main contact number for the airport is: +226 25 30 65 15.
• Airport Address: Avenue de l'Aéroport, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
• Email: An official email address for general passenger inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. We recommend being cautious of unofficial accounts that may disseminate incorrect information.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's Lost & Found service. Their counters are located in the arrivals area for international and domestic flights.
• Passenger Support: For all questions related to tickets, flight cancellations or delays, and baggage allowance rules, please contact your airline's representative office at the airport directly or call their hotline numbers.

Getting to Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) is quite simple, as it is located very close to the city centre. The journey usually takes little time, and several convenient transport options are available for travellers.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. A trip from the centre of Ouagadougou will take just 10–15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are easy to find anywhere in the city. An important tip: always agree on the fare with the driver in advance, as meters are not always used. The cost is usually low, but prior agreement helps avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a private transfer through your hotel, ensuring a fixed price and comfort.

Public Transport in Ouagadougou consists mainly of shared taxis and motorcycle taxis (zemidjans). Direct bus routes to the airport, as seen in European cities, may not be available. This option is suitable for experienced and budget-conscious travellers ready for a small adventure. A trip on public transport will cost significantly less but may require more time and effort to navigate.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also an independent exploration of Burkina Faso. Several rental agencies operate in the city. Ouagadougou Airport has a car park where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods. This is convenient if you are returning to Ouagadougou at the end of your journey.

If direct flights to Ouagadougou are unavailable, you might consider flying into one of the neighbouring regional airports and continuing your journey by land. Nearby options include Borgo Airport in Bobo-Dioulasso, Tamale Airport in Ghana, or Niamey Airport in Niger.

Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) is a compact and functional aviation hub where navigation will not cause difficulties even for an inexperienced traveller. Its structure is simple and logical, allowing you to quickly orient yourself upon arrival or before departure.

The airport consists of a single passenger terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about moving between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated to minimize confusion. The Arrivals Hall is located on the ground floor, where passengers go through passport control, collect luggage, and pass through customs. The Departures Hall is located on the upper floor and includes check-in counters, security screening points, passport control, and a small waiting area with boarding gates.

For international flight check-in and pre-flight screening, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5-3 hours before departure. Although the airport is small, queues may arise during peak hours or when several flights check in simultaneously. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5 hours in advance is usually sufficient.

Navigation through the terminal is intuitive. Signs are in French and, partially, in English. All key areas — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within a few minutes' walk of each other. After passing security control, passengers enter the airside zone, where there are several Duty-Free shops, cafes, and seating areas. Top tip — keep all documents handy to speed up formalities, and follow the signs, which will easily lead you to the desired point.

The history of Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) is the story of the development and growth of the capital and the entire country. Built shortly after Burkina Faso gained independence in 1960, the airport was officially opened in the 1960s, becoming the main aerial gateway for the young state. For a landlocked country, it was from the very beginning not just a transport hub, but a vital artery connecting Ouagadougou with the rest of the world.

Throughout its history, the airport has undergone several key stages of modernisation. One of the most significant occurred in the early 2000s when the runway was extended and strengthened to 3,028 metres. This allowed it to accommodate long-haul wide-body aircraft, opening new opportunities for tourism and trade. In parallel, the passenger terminal was repeatedly expanded to cope with growing passenger traffic, including during major events such as the famous FESPACO film festival.

Several interesting facts are associated with the airport. Its unique location practically in the city centre made it extremely convenient for arrivals, but over time became an obstacle to further expansion. In the past, the airport also played an important role as a key point on the route of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally, hosting participants and vehicles. Furthermore, it served as a crucial base for international humanitarian missions, especially during droughts in the Sahel region.

Today, Ouagadougou Airport is entering a new era. Due to the limitations of its urban location and to meet the country's future needs, construction is underway for a new, ultra-modern Ouagadougou-Donsin International Airport, located approximately 35 km from the capital. The existing airport, having served faithfully for over half a century, is preparing to pass the baton to its successor while remaining an important symbol of national history and development.

Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) offers passengers all the essential services needed for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal building, you will find several cafes and refreshment areas where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshing beverages. For those wishing to shop before departure, there are stores, including a Duty-Free zone offering souvenirs, perfumes, beverages, and local delicacies.

For passengers preferring to wait in a quieter environment, a VIP lounge is available at the airport. Here you can relax away from the bustle and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. To stay connected, travellers can connect to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), as well as use charging stations for electronic devices located in the waiting halls.

Practical matters can also be easily resolved at the airport. For passenger convenience, there are currency exchange points and ATMs. In case medical assistance is required, there is a medical post in the terminal providing first aid.

Ouagadougou Airport is equipped to welcome various categories of travellers. There are mother and child rooms for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance and escort; it is recommended to notify your airline of your needs in advance. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

Business travellers can utilise basic business services in the VIP lounge. For organising conferences or large business meetings, the conference halls offered by many hotels located near the airport are more suitable.

At Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA), travellers can find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the selection of establishments is not as vast as in major global hubs, the available cafes and restaurants allow for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight.

The main dining points are located both in the general area before control (landside) and in the departure zone after passport control (airside). In the general area, accessible to all visitors, a small cafe usually operates where you can have coffee and a snack while seeing off friends or family. However, the main choice awaits passengers in the secure departure zone.

After passing security control, the main restaurant and lounge area is located in the departure hall. It offers standard international snacks — sandwiches, pastries, salads — as well as the opportunity to try local dishes. Look out for specialties such as riz gras (rice with vegetables and meat) or brochettes (small kebabs). As Burkina Faso has a significant Muslim population, Halal options are generally available. This is a great chance to enjoy the flavours of Burkina Faso one last time before flying. You can also order local beverages here, such as Brakina or the refreshing bissap (hibiscus) juice.

For passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free), the selection may be limited. It is recommended to check the ingredients with staff or, if you have strict restrictions, to bring suitable snacks with you. Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice for most air hubs. The opening hours of establishments in the departure zone are usually synchronised with flight schedules, especially for evening and night flights.

Thus, if you need a quick coffee or sandwich, the establishments in the general area will suit you. For a more substantial meal and relaxation in a quiet environment, it is best to head to the restaurant in the airside departure zone. This allows you to dine without haste and head straight to the boarding gate.

To ensure your journey through Ouagadougou International Airport goes smoothly, make use of these practical tips. Planning ahead will help avoid unnecessary stress and make the start or end of your trip more comfortable.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. Ouagadougou Airport is not very large, but queues for check-in and security control can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: Ensure all your documents — passport, visa (if required), and ticket — are at hand. Processes may not be as automated as in major global hubs, so please be patient. During screening, follow standard rules: remove electronics, liquids, and metal objects from your pockets.

Seat Selection: If you have the opportunity to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer you scenic views of the savannah during takeoff or landing. An aisle seat provides more freedom of movement, which is especially convenient during long flights.

Hand Luggage: It is prohibited to carry liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Be sure to take all valuables, documents, necessary medication, a portable charger, and perhaps a light snack, as food choices in the departure zone may be limited.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline if your luggage will be checked through automatically. Ouagadougou Airport is quite compact, which simplifies navigation, but always leave enough buffer time between flights in case of unforeseen delays.

Customs Control: Upon arrival, you will likely need to fill out a migration card. Be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and your place of accommodation. If you are bringing in valuable items (e.g., expensive electronics) or large amounts of cash, it is better to declare them to avoid issues upon departure.

Saving Time and Money: To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this service. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle that can be filled after passing security. Taxis from the airport are best booked at the official counter or by agreeing on the price in advance.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, stay calm. Contact your airline representative for information and to clarify your rights to compensation (e.g., vouchers for food or drinks). Keep your phone charged and monitor updates on the departure boards.