Timbuktu Airport

GATB / TOM

Timbuktu, ML

Last Updated
May 15, 11:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 8 hours ago
11:00Z

🌇 Dusk
VFR
Flight Rules
41°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 12°C
11 kt
280°
--
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR GATB 151100Z 28011KT 250V320 CAVOK 41/12 Q1008

Weather Briefing

VFR

Timbuktu Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies. Note: This observation is 7.6 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the west (280°) at 11 knots. Runway 25 is favored with a 10-knot headwind and 6-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 41°C (106°F) with a dewpoint of 12°C, indicating very dry conditions. High temperatures at this elevation may result in significant density altitude effects. Pilots should calculate density altitude and adjust performance expectations accordingly.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
ATB
07
25 ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 07/25
Active: 25
6,923 ft 98 ft ASP 68°
9.5 kt 5.5 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - GATB

1,197 observations | Sep 2025 - May 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
75.4%
MVFR
17.2%
IFR
6.6%
LIFR
0.8%

Timbuktu Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 75.4% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 7.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 8.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 77 knots. Temperature extremes range from 10°C to 44°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 8.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 77 kt
Calm Winds: 0.2%
Direction Distribution:
N
6.7%
NE
30.4%
E
30.7%
SE
13.3%
S
4.8%
SW
4.5%
W
6.3%
NW
3.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 29.2°C
Range: 10°C to 44°C
10°C 44°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 07/25
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.6 kt

Statistics computed from 1,197 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - May 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Timbuktu Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: GATB
IATA Code: TOM
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 863 ft MSL

Location

City: Timbuktu
Country: ML
Latitude: 16.730499°
Longitude: -3.007580°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+0

Runway Information

Runway 07/25
Length: 6,923 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Timbuktu Airport

Overview

Timbuktu Airport (GATB) serves the historic city of Timbuktu in Mali, situated at an elevation of 863 ft MSL. The medium-sized airport provides critical aviation infrastructure in this remote region of West Africa, supporting regional and local air transportation needs. Its single runway 07/25 offers 6,923 feet of asphalted surface for aircraft operations.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Timbuktu Airport are predominantly VFR, with 87.1% of observations showing clear conditions. Winds typically blow from the northeast at an average of 7.5 knots, with occasional gusts up to 20 knots. Temperature variations are significant, ranging from 10°C to 40°C, with an average of 27.9°C, which pilots should consider for performance calculations.

Notable Features

The airport is located at coordinates 16.730499, -3.007580 in a region characterized by arid terrain. Pilots should be aware of the potential for significant temperature fluctuations and the impact on aircraft performance. The consistent northeastern wind pattern and high percentage of VFR conditions generally provide stable flying environments.

Approach Considerations

Runway 07/25 benefits from highly favorable wind conditions, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of only 3.4 knots. September, October, and January represent the best months for VFR operations, offering optimal flying conditions. Pilots should anticipate excellent visibility, with an average of 10 statute miles and virtually no instances of reduced visibility or fog.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.