Bamako-Senou International Airport

Bamako-Senou International Airport, officially known as Modibo Keita International Airport (named after the country's first president), serves as the main air gateway to Mali and is the only international airport in the state. Located approximately 15 kilometres south of the capital's centre, it is the first point of contact with the unique culture and hospitality of West Africa for most travellers. Opened in 1974, the airport has undergone several stages of modernisation, allowing it to meet modern requirements and handle flights connecting Mali with major cities in Africa and Europe.

The airport consists of two terminals — international and domestic, which simplifies navigation for passengers. Despite its relatively small size, the airport offers all necessary services for a comfortable journey: there are several cafes serving local and European cuisine, duty-free shops, a VIP lounge, and prayer rooms. For the convenience of passengers, taxi services and shuttle buses operate, providing transport connections to the centre of Bamako. In recent years, the airport's infrastructure has been actively developing, including projects to expand the runway and implement modern technologies, such as online flight check-in.

For your convenience, we have compiled current contact information for Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO). If you have questions related to flight schedules, baggage allowance rules, or available services, we recommend contacting the relevant airport services directly.

• Official Website: At the time of checking, the airport did not have a stable functioning official website. We recommend using the Facebook page for up-to-date information.
• Inquiry Desk Phone: +223 20 20 46 53 / +223 20 20 84 55
• Address: Route de l'Aéroport, Sénou, Bamako, Mali
• Email: To contact the management company Aéroports du Mali (ADM), you can use the e-mail: adm@aeroports-du-mali.com
• Social Media: Current news and updates are published on the official Facebook page: Aéroport International de Bamako.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's Lost & Found service, the counters of which are located in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance within the airport, you can contact the inquiry desk numbers.

Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO) is the main air gateway to the capital of Mali, located approximately 15 kilometres south of the centre of Bamako. You can get from the city to the airport and back in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and popular way to get to the airport is by taxi. The journey from the city centre usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, although travel time may increase during peak hours. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before you get into the car, as meters are rarely used. The cost usually varies but is quite affordable. For greater convenience and predictability, you can book a private transfer in advance through your hotel or a specialised company. This saves you from having to bargain and guarantees a car at the right time.

Public Transport

For the most budget-conscious travellers, there is the option of travelling by local route taxis — SOTRAMA. This is the cheapest way to travel, but it can be challenging for tourists, especially with large luggage. Minibuses are often overcrowded, lack a clear schedule, and routes can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the city. There are no direct express buses, trains, or metro lines to the airport in Bamako.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are confident in your driving skills in African traffic conditions, you can rent a car. Both international and local rental agencies operate in Bamako. This option gives maximum freedom of movement around the city and its surroundings. Bamako-Senou Airport provides parking where you can leave your car for both short and long terms.

Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO) is the main air hub of Mali, serving both international and domestic flights. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal, which was significantly expanded and modernised in 2016. Thanks to this, the old and new parts of the building are combined into a single complex, making navigation for passengers quite simple and intuitive.

The terminal structure is logical and complies with international standards. Typically, the departures area is located on the upper level, and the arrivals area is on the lower level. After entering the building, you find yourself in a general hall with main airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to passport control and security screening, after which they enter the "airside" area with boarding gates.

Since there is effectively one terminal, transitions between its parts are made on foot, and no special transport is required. The new part of the terminal features a modern design, spacious waiting halls, and a large number of amenities, including duty-free shops, cafes, and VIP lounges. The old part continues to function, but main passenger flows pass through the renovated sector.

To complete all formalities before an international flight, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure. During peak periods, waiting times at check-in counters and security control may increase. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5–2 hours in advance is usually sufficient. Navigation in the airport is simplified by signs in French and, in some cases, English. Overall, Bamako-Senou Airport is quite compact, and getting lost in it is virtually impossible.

The history of Bamako-Senou International Airport, the main air gateway of Mali, is closely linked to the country's development. The airport was officially opened for commercial traffic in 1974. It was built to replace an old airfield within the city limits and was originally designed to accommodate growing international traffic and the ability to receive larger types of aircraft.

A key moment in the airport's development was a large-scale modernisation completed in 2016. As part of this project, a new modern passenger terminal was erected, the apron area was significantly expanded, and the runway was renovated. These improvements allowed the airport to increase its capacity to 1.5 million passengers per year and meet modern international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

One of the most significant events in the history of the air harbour was its renaming. In 2013, the airport was named after Modibo Keita, the first president of independent Mali, and since then its full name has been Modibo Keita-Senou International Airport. The airport has also played an important role in serving major international events, for example, during the African Cup of Nations football tournament in 2002, which was hosted by the country.

Interestingly, the airport is located approximately 15 kilometres south of the capital's centre, providing convenient access for travellers. Throughout its history, it has repeatedly acted as an important logistics hub for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in the region, highlighting its strategic importance not only for Bamako but for all of West Africa.

Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure or after arrival, you can have a snack in one of the cafes or restaurants serving both local and international dishes. In the departure area, Duty Free shops operate, offering a standard assortment of perfumes, beverages, and sweets, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase items from local artisans and memorable gifts from Mali.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport provides VIP lounges and business class waiting areas. Here, passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Special stands and sockets are equipped in waiting halls for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be resolved directly in the airport building. Available to travellers are currency exchange points, where money can be exchanged for local currency, and ATMs for cash withdrawals. If necessary, passengers can seek medical assistance at the first aid post operating within the terminal.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are mother and child rooms where you can look after your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance upon prior request, including accompaniment and facilities for movement around the terminal. Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels are located nearby, many of which offer free transfers for their guests.

For business travellers, basic business services may be available in VIP lounges. For holding meetings or small conferences, it is worth considering options in hotels closest to the airport, which often have specially equipped rooms.

At Bamako-Senou International Airport (BKO), the choice of dining establishments is not very large, but quite sufficient for a snack or a full meal before departure. The main catering points are concentrated in the main international terminal, both in the public area and in the departure zone.

For those looking for a full lunch or dinner, the best option is the restaurant located in the public area (landside), before passing passport control and screening. Here you can eat leisurely while waiting for your flight or meeting arrivals. The menu usually offers both international cuisine and the opportunity to experience the local culinary traditions of Mali.

If you need a quick snack, then after passing security control, in the sterile departure zone (airside), you will find a cafe-bar. This is an ideal place to have a coffee, a refreshing drink, or eat a sandwich, pastries, and other light snacks right before boarding the plane. The assortment here is more limited but convenient for those with little time.

While at Bamako airport, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine dishes that may be offered in the main restaurant. Try poulet yassa (chicken in onion sauce) or fried fish. Since this is a predominantly Muslim country, most meat dishes are prepared according to Halal standards. Vegetarians will likely be offered side dishes such as rice, vegetables, or salads. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (vegan or gluten-free) may find it difficult to find suitable options, so it is recommended to carry small snacks with you.

Prices for food and drinks in the airport are expectedly higher than average in the city. Opening hours of establishments are generally linked to the international flight schedule and may be limited at night or during quiet periods. Plan your time so you can grab a bite before the cafe or restaurant closes.

Travelling through Bamako-Senou International Airport, the main air gateway of Mali, will be easier and more pleasant if you prepare in advance. To avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities, which can sometimes take longer than expected.

Check-in and security control procedures at Bamako airport may seem leisurely. Keep all documents ready: passport, printed e-ticket, and visa (if required). Be prepared for manual baggage inspection. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely and stretch your legs.

Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml (packed in a transparent bag), no sharp objects, weapons, or explosive substances. Be sure to take all valuables, documents, necessary medications, and a portable charger with you into the cabin. This is especially important in case of flight delays or lost luggage.

For transfer passengers, it is important to clarify at check-in whether you need to collect luggage in Bamako or if it will be automatically forwarded to the next flight. Upon arrival, follow the "Transfer" signs and find boarding gate information on the board. Customs control upon arrival is standard: you will need to fill out a migration card and possibly answer questions about the purpose of your visit. Declare all goods subject to declaration to avoid fines.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option. Book a transfer from the airport to the city in advance or use official taxi services to avoid inflated prices. Exchange only a small amount of money at the airport for initial expenses, as the exchange rate in the city is usually better.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify if you are entitled to meals, drinks, or hotel accommodation depending on the waiting duration. Remain calm, monitor information on the departure boards, and use the free time to relax in the airport's few cafes.