Osvaldo Vieira Airport

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is the main and only air gateway to Guinea-Bissau, located in the country's capital. Named after a national independence hero, this airport serves as the starting point for exploring the authentic culture and nature of West Africa. Although the airport is compact, it plays a key role in connecting the country with the world, linking Bissau with Europe and neighbouring African states. Currently, the terminal is undergoing major modernization, which promises to significantly increase its capacity and the level of comfort for travellers.

Osvaldo Vieira Airport, despite its modest size, has everything necessary to service international flights. It is equipped with a single asphalt runway 3,200 metres long, capable of accommodating various types of aircraft. A key feature of the airport is its status as the only international air harbour in the country, making it a strategically important transport hub.

Since 2023, a major reconstruction and expansion project has been implemented here, aimed at bringing the infrastructure in line with international standards. Modernization includes updating the terminal, security systems, and navigation equipment. At the moment, the airport serves flights to countries such as Portugal, Morocco, and Senegal; however, due to certain technical limitations, such as the lack of a modern runway lighting system, most flights are operated during daytime hours. It is expected that upon completion of the works, the airport will be able to offer passengers a higher level of service and expand its flight geography.

Connecting with Osvaldo Vieira Airport can be challenging, as many standard communication channels familiar to major international airports may be absent or work intermittently here. Here is the main available contact information:

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a stably functioning official website. It is recommended to check up-to-date flight information on the websites of airlines flying to Bissau.
• Information Desk Phone: It is difficult to find a single public phone number for inquiries. For prompt resolution of issues related to your flight, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative office directly.
• Airport Address: Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
• Email: There is no official public e-mail for general inquiries. Please contact air carriers for information.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost & Found Information: For all questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the Lost & Found service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support: Passenger support regarding booking, flight check-in, and other aspects of travel is provided directly by the airlines.

Getting to Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) from the city centre of Bissau is not difficult, but the choice of transport has its own specifics. The airport is located approximately 11 kilometres northeast of the centre, and a car journey usually takes from 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

The most popular and convenient method for tourists is a taxi. Official blue and white taxis operate in the city, which can be hailed on the street or ordered through a hotel. It is important to remember that meters are practically not used here, so it is necessary to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before starting the journey. The estimated price of a trip from the city centre to the airport is several thousand CFA francs. An even more reliable option is to book a private transfer through your hotel. This may be slightly more expensive, but guarantees you a fixed price and comfort, which is especially relevant when travelling at night or with a large amount of luggage.

Public transport in Bissau is represented mainly by route minibuses known as "toca-toca". This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, but it can be inconvenient for travellers with suitcases and those unfamiliar with the local system. Routes are not always obvious, and buses are often overcrowded. There may not be a direct route to the terminal, and you may have to walk some distance from the main road. This option is more suitable for experienced and budget-conscious travellers.

Car rental is another opportunity providing maximum freedom of movement not only around the city but also throughout the country of Guinea-Bissau. Rental points can be found in the city centre, and some companies offer car delivery directly to the airport. Please note that driving in Bissau can be chaotic, and road conditions outside the capital leave much to be desired. For trips around the country, it is often recommended to rent an SUV.

There is parking available at Osvaldo Vieira Airport. It is suitable for short-term parking if you are being dropped off or picked up. Leaving a car for a long period is not always recommended from a security perspective, so most tourists prefer to use taxi or transfer services for trips to the airport.

To summarize, for most tourists, the optimal choice will be a taxi or a pre-booked transfer. This is the most reliable and comfortable way to get to Osvaldo Vieira Airport. Do not forget to have cash in local currency with you and always clarify the cost of the trip before it begins to avoid misunderstandings.

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), the main air gateway of Guinea-Bissau, has a very simple and clear structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its compact size, navigation is straightforward — all important zones are within a few steps of each other, and there is no need for transfers between terminals.

Departure and arrival zones are located within the same building and are clearly separated. Upon arrival, passengers pass through passport control, after which they enter the baggage claim hall and undergo customs inspection. The departure zone consists of check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a waiting hall. The scheme of the airport in Bissau is intuitively understandable, and getting lost in it is practically impossible.

The airport terminal can be characterized as basic and functional. There is no wide variety of shops and restaurants typical of large international hubs. Passengers have access to the essentials: a small waiting area, several check-in counters, and basic amenities. The atmosphere is generally calm, without hustle and huge crowds.

Despite the modest size, it is worth allocating enough time to complete all pre-flight procedures. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2–3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Although physically there may not be queues, the registration and screening processes themselves may take time due to the organization of work. Having a time buffer will allow you to avoid unnecessary stress.

The main advice for navigation is to follow signs and the general flow of people. Since all key points, from the entrance to the boarding gate, are located in one small space, you will easily find your way. Prepare all necessary documents (passport, boarding pass) in advance to speed up the control process. Simplicity and compactness are the key characteristics of Osvaldo Vieira Airport, making it convenient for passengers.

The history of Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is closely intertwined with the history of the country itself. Located near the capital, the city of Bissau, it serves as the main and only air gateway to Guinea-Bissau. Initially, the airport was built during the colonial period and was named Bissalanca Airport. The exact date of its foundation is not widely publicized, but its creation was part of the infrastructure development of the Portuguese colony.

A key moment in the airport's history came after the country gained independence. In 1975, it was renamed in honour of Osvaldo Vieira, one of the most famous commanders and heroes of the war for independence, symbolizing a break with the colonial past and the beginning of a new era. The airport proudly bears this name to this day, reminding of key figures in the nation's formation.

The most tragic period for the airport was the civil conflict in 1998–1999. The air harbour found itself at the epicentre of events, was temporarily closed, and sustained significant damage. This event isolated the country from international air traffic for a long time. After the conflict ended, a long process of restoration began, which allowed flights to resume and returned the airport to its strategic importance.

In subsequent years, Osvaldo Vieira Airport underwent several stages of modernization aimed at meeting international safety and passenger service standards. Work was carried out to repair the runway and update the terminal. Despite remaining relatively small by global standards, its role for the economy and connection of Guinea-Bissau with the rest of the world cannot be overestimated. It serves as a living monument to the country's history, reflecting its difficulties and aspirations for development.

Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB) is the main, yet small, airport of Guinea-Bissau, so the range of services here is quite basic and corresponds to its size. In the terminal, you will find a small bar-café where you can have a snack with sandwiches, pastries, and order beverages before departure. There is also a Duty-Free shop offering a standard range of goods: tobacco products, perfumes, and local souvenirs, which will serve as excellent reminders of your trip.

For a more comfortable wait, there is a VIP lounge at the airport. Access conditions are best clarified with representatives of your airline. Regarding modern amenities, access to Wi-Fi may be limited or provided on a paid basis. Charging points for electronic devices are rare, so it is recommended to have a portable power bank with you. For financial operations, there is a currency exchange point and an ATM in the terminal building where you can withdraw cash.

The airport provides basic services for passengers with special needs. To receive assistance, such as a wheelchair and escort to the aircraft, it is necessary to notify your airline in advance. Specialized amenities, such as mother and child rooms or children's play areas, are generally absent here. A medical point operates on the terminal territory, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

There are no hotels within the airport itself; however, the nearest accommodation options can easily be found in the country's capital — the city of Bissau, which is located a few kilometres from the air terminal. Services for business travellers, such as conference rooms or business centres, are not provided at Osvaldo Vieira Airport.

When planning a departure from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), it is important to consider that this is a small airport with a very limited selection of catering establishments. Do not expect a large food court or a variety of restaurants typical of major international hubs here. Opportunities for a snack or a full lunch are quite modest.

Typically, in the main hall of the airport, in the public area (before passing security control), there is a small café or snack bar. Here, travellers can purchase basic snacks such as sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and chocolate. Beverages usually available include coffee, tea, bottled water, and carbonated drinks. This is the main and often the only option for dining within the airport territory.

Specialised dietary dishes, for example, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific Halal options, are almost impossible to find at the airport. Passengers with special dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices in the local café, as in most airports around the world, will be noticeably higher than in establishments in the city of Bissau.

For a quick snack before departure, the existing café is quite sufficient. However, if you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat in advance at one of the restaurants in Bissau. The opening hours of establishments at the airport are usually tied to the flight schedule, and they may be closed during quiet periods.

Travelling through Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in the city of Bissau will be easier and more comfortable if you take into account a few local peculiarities. Here are useful tips that will help you orient yourself on-site and avoid unnecessary stress during your journey to Guinea-Bissau.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is strongly recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Although the airport is small, the processes of check-in and baggage drop-off may take longer than expected. Always keep your passport, air ticket, and visa (if required) handy.

Security Check and Hand Luggage: Be prepared for the security check to be thorough. Remain patient and follow the staff's instructions. Standard rules for carrying hand luggage apply here too: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, no sharp objects. It is worth putting a charger, necessary medications, and documents in your hand luggage. Given the limited selection of services in the secure area, a small supply of snacks may prove useful.

Customs Control: When passing through customs, be polite and ready to answer officers' questions. It is important to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate with you, as it may be required upon entry into the country. Honestly declare imported goods if necessary.

Transfer Passengers and Flight Delays: If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative immediately. Infrastructure for long waits at the airport is poorly developed, so it is better to have a book or movies downloaded to your phone with you.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, eat before travelling to the airport, as prices inside can be high. Have some local currency (CFA Francs) with you for small purchases, as card payment may be unavailable. To avoid wasting time upon arrival, arrange a transfer in advance with your hotel or a reliable taxi service.

Seat Selection on the Plane: When flying out of Bissau, if there is an option to choose seats, window seats will give you beautiful farewell views of the Atlantic Ocean coast and the islands of the Bijagós archipelago. If comfort and freedom of movement around the cabin are a priority, your choice is an aisle seat.