Conakry International Airport (Ahmed Sékou-Touré International Airport), also known as Gbessia International Airport, is located in Conakry, the capital of the Republic of Guinea in West Africa. As the primary airport in Guinea Conakry, it serves as the country’s main international gateway and plays a central role in both passenger and cargo movements.
This airport in Guinea Conakry is internationally recognized under the Conakry airport code CKY (IATA) and GUCY (ICAO). It operates as an airport of entry and accommodates a wide range of international operations.
Airport Overview & Codes
Conakry International Airport is officially located in Conakry, Guinea. It operates as an international airport and serves the capital city and surrounding regions.
Airport identifiers:
- IATA: CKY
- ICAO: GUCY
- Elevation: 72 ft / 22 m
- Coordinates: 09°34′36.80″N 13°36′43.06″W
- Timezone: UTC
- Fire Category: CAT 8
- Airport type: International
- AOE: Yes
The airport has been fully state-owned since December 2022 and operates under SOGEAG/GOV. It remains a key infrastructure asset for Guinea’s aviation sector.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Conakry International Airport features a single primary runway:
- Runway 06/24
- Length: 3,300 m × 45 m
- Surface: Asphalt
- PCN: 73/F/B/W/T
The runway is capable of handling aircraft types up to Boeing 747.
The airport’s infrastructure supports both passenger and cargo activity:
- Terminal capacity: 1,500,000 passengers annually
- Cargo capacity: 35,000 metric tons annually
All equipment is available at the airport. There is no FBO at this airport.
The airport is approximately 5 km from the city center and is connected via the Fidel Castro Highway, offering direct access to central Conakry.
Navigation & Frequencies
Conakry International Airport is equipped with on-field navigation aids:
- VOR/DME (GIA)
- NDB (CY)
Operational frequencies:
- Tower: 118.70 MHz
- Ground: 129.10 MHz
- Approach: 119.70 MHz
These facilities support both domestic and international traffic at this major airport in Guinea Conakry.
Ground Handling & Ops Info
Operational processes at GUCY are structured to facilitate international traffic.
- PPR is not required
- Slots are not required
- Typical lead time for permit approval: approximately 48 hours
Services available include:
- Ground handling
- Refueling (Jet A-1)
- Catering
- Permit coordination
- Crew transport
- Hotel coordination
- Flight tracking
Alternate airports include:
- GBYD
- GFLL
- GOBD
As the primary Conakry international airport, GUCY supports a full range of operational services required for international trip support.
Customs, Fuel & Airport Hours
Conakry International Airport operates as an airport of entry with customs facilities available.
- Fuel type: Jet A-1
- Customs contact: +224 664280017 / 622593779
- Police contact: +224 657 765 370
- Fire contact: +224 656999018
- Airport authority: +224 656999016 / 622907257
Operations are conducted during restricted hours, and nighttime curfews may occur in periods of instability.
Immigration requirements:
- All global visitors and crew must present a valid passport and visa
- Crew must be in uniform
- Crew must be listed on the Gendec
- Currency used locally is the Guinean Franc
Access & Local Information
The airport is connected to the city via the Fidel Castro Highway and is approximately 5 km from the city center.
Ground transportation options include:
- Car rentals
- Buses
- Hotel shuttles
- Non-metred taxis
Typical taxi fare to the city center ranges between 10,000 – 20,000 GNF. It is advised to negotiate the price before entering non-metred taxis.
Nearby accommodation options include:
- Noom Hotel
- Sheraton Grand
- Palm Camayenne
Tourist attractions in Conakry include:
- Sandervalia National Museum
- Grand Mosque of Conakry
- Tombo Island
- Cathedrale Sante Marie
For more information, visit the airport’s official site here.
History & Recent Developments
Conakry International Airport opened in 1945 and underwent renovation in 2009 with the goal of reaching 1 million passengers in capacity.
Since December 2022, the airport has been fully state-owned under SOGEAG.
Ongoing expansion works continue, with approximately 75% of Phase 1 completed as of mid-2024.
The airport has also had previous military usage.
Airlines & Destinations
Conakry International Airport supports both regional and international connectivity.
Regional connections include services operated by Eagle Air to destinations such as:
- Nzérékoré
- Monrovia
- Dakar
Main international destinations include:
- Paris
- Casablanca
- Dakar
- Bamako
As the primary international airport in Guinea Conakry, GUCY plays a vital role in linking West Africa to global aviation networks.
Climate & Safety Notes
Conakry experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by wet and dry seasons with little temperature variance.
Historical incidents at the airport have included a runway overrun involving a TAP A320 and a motorcycle. The airport has also had prior military usage.
Understanding the local climate and historical operational context is essential when planning operations to this Conakry airport code CKY facility.
Contact UAS for Operational Support at Conakry International Airport (GUCY/CKY)
For support with your flight operations to Conakry International Airport (Ahmed Sékou-Touré International Airport, GUCY/CKY), including aviation trip support services, permit coordination, ground handling, refueling, and emergency or last-minute trip support services, contact UAS to ensure seamless international trip support company assistance tailored to your operational requirements.
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