Maya Maya Airport

Maya Maya Airport (BZV) is not merely a transport hub, but the main aerial gateway opening the path to the very heart of the Republic of the Congo. Located in the country's capital, the city of Brazzaville, it leaves a pleasant first impression thanks to its modern and functional infrastructure. As a key hub, the airport connects the nation with other states in Africa and Europe, serving as a starting point for exciting journeys. Renovated and expanded, today it is ready to receive even the largest long-haul aircraft. It is a modern and significant African airport that underwent major modernisation in the 2010s.

Maya Maya Airport boasts one of the most modern terminals in Central Africa. As a result of large-scale reconstruction, a new runway with a length of 3,300 metres and a modern passenger terminal with three aerobridges capable of servicing wide-body aircraft were commissioned. Inside, spacious waiting lounges, shops, cafés, and VIP lounges await passengers for a comfortable wait for their flight.

One of the airport's main advantages is its exceptionally close proximity to the city centre. A taxi ride to the main hotels in Brazzaville usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes. Such convenience, combined with quality service and modern infrastructure, makes Maya Maya an excellent and convenient starting point for exploring the country.

Below you will find contact information for Maya Maya International Airport (BZV), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: On the official website of the management company AERCO, www.aerco.cg, you can find up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +242 05 531 66 58.
• Address: Aéroport International Maya-Maya, Avenue de l'aeroport, Brazzaville, République du Congo.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the address: info@aerco.cg.
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on social networks where the latest news and important announcements for passengers are published.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the representative office of your airline located at Maya Maya Airport directly. Airline staff will assist you in filing a report and provide all necessary information.
• Passenger Support: Information desks are located in the main terminal. Staff are always ready to assist with airport navigation and answer questions regarding flights and services.

Getting to Maya Maya International Airport (BZV) from the city centre of Brazzaville is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from the key districts of the capital of Congo. The journey usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Travellers have several transport options available: taxis, public minibuses, and car rental.

Taxi and Transfer — this is the most convenient, safe, and common way to reach the airport. A car can be hailed on the street or ordered through a hotel. Key point: always agree on the cost of the trip with the driver in advance, as taximeters are rarely used. The trip will cost more than public transport but ensures comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. A pre-booked hotel transfer can be an even more reliable option.

Public Transport in Brazzaville is mainly represented by route taxis (minibuses). This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it can prove difficult for tourists. Routes are not always obvious, and vehicles are often overcrowded. This option is suitable for experienced travellers travelling light who are ready for an adventure, but it is not recommended for those going to the airport with suitcases and limited time.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to move around the city and its surroundings extensively. Several rental agencies operate in Brazzaville. Having a car allows you to plan your time without relying on schedules. Maya Maya Airport has parking where you can leave a car for both short and long terms, which is convenient if you are departing for a short trip.

Maya Maya Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville consists of two main passenger terminals that serve international and domestic flights. Their structure and purpose are clearly divided, which simplifies navigation for travellers.

The bulk of passenger traffic is handled by the new international terminal. This is a modern building designed with international standards in mind. The second, older terminal is used primarily for domestic flights within the country. The terminals are located in close proximity to each other, and the transfer between them is usually done on foot, taking just a few minutes.

The airport layout is quite intuitive. In the international terminal, the departure zone is on the upper floor, and the arrival zone is on the lower floor. After checking in for a flight, passengers proceed to the first floor for passport control and security screening, after which they enter the secure area with Duty-Free shops, cafés, and waiting lounges. Navigation is facilitated by signs in French and English.

The domestic terminal is significantly smaller and simpler in structure. Procedures here are faster due to fewer formalities. Departure and arrival zones are also separated here, but the space is more compact.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure to complete all procedures without rushing. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. The time taken to pass through controls may vary depending on the season and flight load.

Navigation Recommendations:

• Always check which terminal (international or domestic) your flight departs from.
• Follow the electronic boards and signs to find the correct check-in counter or boarding gate.
• If you are flying in transit, check in advance whether a transfer between terminals is required.

Maya Maya Airport (BZV) is not just the main aerial gateway of Brazzaville and the entire Republic of the Congo, but also a site with a rich history reflecting key stages of the country's development. Its history begins in the colonial era when the first runway was built in the 1940s for the needs of the French administration.

The airport played a special role during World War II. After Brazzaville became the capital of "Free France", the airfield turned into an important strategic base for Allied forces in Central Africa. Flights and troop supplies were coordinated from here, which forever inscribed Maya Maya into the pages of world history.

After the country gained independence in 1960, the airport became a symbol of national sovereignty and began to develop gradually. However, the real transformation occurred in the 21st century. In 2010, a large-scale reconstruction began, bringing the airport to a completely new level. A modern international terminal was built, opened in two stages (in 2011 and 2013), as well as a new presidential pavilion.

One of the key achievements of the modernisation was the construction of a second, longer runway (3,300 metres), capable of accepting the largest modern aircraft, including the Airbus A380. The old runway was also repaired and is used for domestic flights and as a taxiway. Today, Maya Maya is one of the most modern airports in Central Africa, continuing to play a key role in the economic and cultural life of the region.

Maya Maya Airport (BZV) is not just the main aerial gateway of Brazzaville, but a modern complex offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Everything here is thought out to the smallest detail so that your journey begins and ends with pleasant impressions.

While waiting for departure, you can spend time pleasantly in one of the cafés or restaurants, serving both local dishes and familiar international snacks. For those wishing to buy gifts or souvenirs, shops are open, including a Duty Free zone. Here you can find perfumes and unique local goods.

Spacious waiting lounges are provided for comfortable rest at the airport. Passengers valuing privacy and a higher level of service can utilise the VIP lounges, where one can work or relax in a quiet atmosphere. Access to Wi-Fi will help you stay connected, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you not to worry about the battery level of your smartphone or laptop.

In the Maya Maya Airport terminal, you can easily resolve financial matters: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of feeling unwell, a medical point is provided where first aid will be administered. For business travellers, special zones or conference rooms in business lounges may be available for working in silence.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. There are mother and child rooms for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance from staff and the availability of necessary infrastructure, including ramps and equipped toilets, for unimpeded movement through the terminal.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport territory, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity. Most of them offer convenient transfers for their guests, making them an excellent option for those flying in transit or departing early in the morning.

Maya Maya Airport in Brazzaville offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal, although the choice is not as vast as in giant international hubs. The main dining points are concentrated in the main terminal and are available both in the public area before security control and in the departure zone.

In the public area (landside), before passing passport control, the airport's main restaurant is located, often referred to as Café M'Bamou. This is the best place for a leisurely lunch or dinner. They serve international cuisine, and there is also an opportunity to try some specialities of Congo. This is an ideal option if you have plenty of time before departure or are seeing off loved ones.

After passing security control (airside), the choice narrows down to a small café. It is oriented towards a quick snack before boarding and offers sandwiches, pastries, light snacks, and beverages. It is important to note that the opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule; this especially applies to the dining point in the departure zone, which may be closed between flights.

Even at the airport, you can get acquainted with local gastronomy. Ask at the restaurant if they serve poisson braisé (grilled fish) or side dishes of fried plantains. This is an excellent chance to taste authentic flavours without leaving the terminal. Prices for food and drinks here are expectedly higher than in city establishments.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, or those on a gluten-free diet) are recommended to plan meals in advance. The selection of specialised dishes is extremely limited, so it is better to carry suitable snacks with you to avoid inconvenience.

Travelling through Maya Maya Airport in Brazzaville, the capital of Congo, will be more comfortable if you familiarise yourself with its features in advance. Here are some practical tips that will help you save time, stress, and money during your trip.

Recommendations for Arrival and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 2 hours. Check-in and security control processes may take longer than in major global hubs, so a time buffer is never superfluous. Keep all necessary documents (passport, visa, ticket, vaccination certificate) at hand to speed up the completion of formalities.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, select a seat on the plane online during check-in. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up often, while window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Standard hand luggage rules apply here: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Always keep valuables, electronics, and documents in your hand luggage.

Customs Control and Transfers. When passing through customs, be prepared to clearly and honestly declare imported goods and currency. If you have a layover in Brazzaville, check in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Also, check visa requirements for transit passengers — they may differ depending on your citizenship and the duration of the connection.

How to Save Money and What to Do in Case of Delay. To avoid unnecessary expenses, consider the possibility of online check-in and book a transfer from the airport in advance. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, accommodation). It is always useful to carry a portable charger for your phone and a book or film to pass the waiting time.