
Banjul International Airport is the primary airport serving the Gambia, a small country in West Africa. It's located on the outskirts of the capital city, Banjul.
The airport is a hub for GAMCO, the Gambia's national airline, and also serves as a major transit point for flights to other African destinations. It's a relatively small airport, but it's well-equipped to handle international flights.
If you're planning to travel to the Gambia, you'll likely fly into Banjul International Airport. The airport is open 24/7, so you can arrive at any time of day or night.
Airport Information
Banjul International Airport is located on the north bank of the Gambia River, about 18 kilometers from the city center.
The airport serves as a major gateway to the Gambia, with flights arriving from various destinations in Europe and Africa.
Banjul International Airport is a single-runway airport, which can sometimes lead to delays during peak travel seasons.
Overview

Banjul International Airport was a key location for NASA's Space Shuttle program, serving as an augmented landing site in case of an emergency.
In 2001, NASA announced that the airport would no longer be used for this purpose due to a change in shuttle launch inclinations.
The airport's location made it a suitable choice for a low-inclination launch, but future shuttle launches would take place at higher inclinations, making air bases in Spain and France more suitable for emergency landings.
Banjul International Airport was also the main hub of Gambia Bird, an airline that ceased operations in late 2014.
History
The history of airports is a fascinating story that spans centuries. The first airport was established in 1910 in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA.
The concept of airports evolved significantly with the introduction of commercial air travel in the 1920s. Air travel became more accessible and affordable, leading to a surge in demand for air travel.
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The first commercial airline, DELAG Luftverkehr, was founded in Germany in 1909. DELAG operated scheduled flights between German cities.
Air traffic control systems were first introduced in the 1930s to improve safety and efficiency in air travel. This marked a significant milestone in the development of modern airports.
The construction of the world's first terminal building at London's Croydon Airport in 1920 revolutionized airport design and architecture.
Facilities and Services
Banjul International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable.
The airport has a meet-and-greet service that includes assistance at arrival and post-immigration, wheelchair assistance, porter service, and assistance at check-in.
You can also take advantage of fast track through immigration, priority boarding, and assistance with baggage handling.
Additionally, Jodogo offers a luxurious limousine service for added comfort during your airport transfer.
To get around the airport, you can use the buggy transfer service or request assistance for terminal transfer.

The airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it was used as an Allied airfield for naval convoys and air stopovers for the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Here are some of the services offered by Jodogo at Banjul International Airport:
- Meet and Greet at Arrival Gate
- Meet and greet post-immigration
- Wheelchair Assistance
- Porter service
- Assistance at check-in
- Fast Track through immigration
- Priority boarding
- Assistance with baggage handling
- Expedited Service Through Security
- Assistance for terminal transfer
- Escort until car pickup
- Liaise with Driver
- Escort to lounge
- Escort until departure gate
- Buggy Transfer
- Expedited service through Immigration
- Meet and greet at curbside at car drop-off
Performance and Statistics
Banjul International Airport in Gambia has a significant performance and statistics to share. The airport has three bonded warehouses, rented from the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GRA), Red Coat, and The Gambia International Airlines (GIA), with a total capacity of approximately 1000 metric tons.
The airport can accommodate more flights for both passenger and freight services. In 2011, a total of 3471 aircraft movements were recorded. GCCA, the responsible authority, should market its facilities to attract more air traffic to the country.
Here's a breakdown of the airport's performance in 2011:
Cargo Terminal Charges
If you're shipping cargo through the Banjul International Airport, you'll need to know about the cargo terminal charges. The two cargo handling agents, GIA and Redcoat, have different rates for handling and storing your goods. GIA charges GMD 525.00 for handling costs between 1-100kg, and GMD 2.2/kg for any additional kilograms.

GIA also offers a storage facility with a warehouse that can accommodate approximately 1,220 tons of freight yearly. The first week of storage is free, and thereafter, a charge of GMD 1.10 per kg per day is levied on items that are not cleared.
Redcoat, on the other hand, operates a bonded warehouse that's 276m sq, divided into ten bays where customer freight are stored. After five days of free storage, a charge of GMD 2.00 per day per kilo is levied on items that are not collected.
Here's a breakdown of the cargo handling costs for both GIA and Redcoat:
Keep in mind that these charges are subject to change, so it's always best to check with the cargo handling agents directly for the most up-to-date information.
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
The airport's bonded warehouses are rented from the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GRA), Red Coat, and The Gambia International Airlines (GIA) respectively. These warehouses have a combined capacity of approximately 1000 metric tons.

The airport has two handling freight agencies: GIA and Red Coat. They handle up to 1000 metric tons of cargo yearly. However, there was a sharp decrease in the past year due to the global financial crisis.
Here's a breakdown of the airport's performance in 2011:
The airport's total capacity is 42,000 metric tons per year, with 3,500 metric tons per month.
Destinations and Airlines
Banjul International Airport serves the entire country of The Gambia and also acts as a gateway for travelers to neighboring countries in West Africa, such as Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Sierra Leone.
You can fly to 7 locations from Banjul International Airport, which is located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Banjul, the capital of The Gambia.
Here is a list of destinations you can fly to from Banjul International Airport:
Destinations List
Banjul International Airport is a major hub for travel in West Africa, and knowing your options is key to planning an amazing trip. There are 7 destinations you can fly to from Banjul International Airport.

Here are the destinations and airlines you can expect to find:
Some airlines have multiple routes to these destinations, so be sure to check which one you can take.
Airlines Selling Flights to Gambia
Gambia is a wonderful destination, and getting there is relatively easy. Banjul International Airport is served by several international and regional airlines.
Some of the key airlines that sell flights to Gambia include Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, TUI Airways, Transavia, and Vueling. These airlines operate from various airports in Europe, making it convenient for travelers to reach Gambia.
If you're planning to visit Gambia, you can fly into Banjul International Airport with one of these airlines. For example, Brussels Airlines operates flights from Brussels, while Royal Air Maroc offers flights from Casablanca.
Here's a list of some of the airlines that sell flights to Gambia:
- Brussels Airlines: Brussels (Belgium)
- Turkish Airlines: Istanbul (Turkey)
- Royal Air Maroc: Casablanca (Morocco)
- TUI Airways: Multiple destinations in the United Kingdom (seasonal)
- Transavia: Paris-Orly (France)
- Vueling: Barcelona (Spain)
These airlines offer a range of flights to Gambia, making it easy to find a route that suits your needs.
Transport from Banjul Airport
Getting to and from Banjul International Airport is relatively easy. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and fares are typically negotiated before the journey.
If you prefer a more luxurious experience, Jodogo offers meet-and-greet services, lounge access, and a luxurious limousine for added comfort during your airport transfer.
You can also rent a car from several services operating from the airport, including both local and international brands. This gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace.
While there is no direct public bus service to the airport, minibuses (locally known as “gelègelès”) operate from nearby towns to various parts of the country. This is a great option if you're on a budget or prefer a more local experience.
Here are some transportation options from Banjul Airport:
- Taxis: Fares are typically negotiated before the journey.
- Car Rentals: Several car rental services operate from the airport, including both local and international brands.
- Public Transport: Minibuses (locally known as “gelègelès”) operate from nearby towns to various parts of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of Banjul International Airport?
Banjul International Airport is a critical transportation hub and cultural gateway for the region, serving as the first impression for newcomers. It also plays a vital role in connecting the population to essential services and resources.
How much is Banjul airport fees?
Banjul airport fees are $20 for non-Gambian passport holders and D1000 for Gambian passport holders. This fee supports the CAISS project, which aims to strengthen security and enhance airport safety.
Does Banjul airport have duty free?
Yes, Banjul airport has a duty-free area and shops in the main halls, offering a range of products. You can find everything from books and perfumes to electronics and souvenirs.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banjul_International_Airport
- https://lca.logcluster.org/221-gambia-banjul-international-airport
- https://www.world-airport-codes.com/gambia/yundum-international-592.html
- https://airportsandhotelsblog.wordpress.com/2024/09/28/banjul-international-airport-in-the-gambia-africa/
- https://www.jodogoairportassist.com/airports/banjul-international-airport
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