A guide to Bata Airport, Equatorial Guinea

Ben Crowley
Aug. 4, 2025

Located on the coast of the Equatorial Guinean mainland is the city of Bata. Bata is the second largest city, by population, in Equatorial Guinea. Bata Airport (IATA: BSG) is the gateway to the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, known as Rio Mundi. If you are visiting Rio Mundi, chances are you will be flying from the capital, Malabo, to Bata.

Given the current conditions, travellers flying through Bata should prepare for minimal comfort and services. Arrive early to allow for slow check-in and security procedures, bring your own snacks and water in case the shops and food stands are closed.

While the future looks promising with the new terminal, Bata International Airport remains a functional but basic gateway, reflecting a city and country still in the process of developing the infrastructure to match their ambitions.

History

Bata Airport was constructed in the 1970s, originally conceived to provide domestic connectivity and limited regional service. For decades, it remained a relatively quiet facility, functional but basic, with limited traffic and few amenities. That began to shift in the 2000s as passenger numbers increased alongside a broader push for economic diversification on the mainland. The airport now sees upwards of 250,000 passengers annually.

Despite this growth, the airport’s facilities have lagged far behind modern standards. Bata airport is one single, aging terminal offering little more than basic check-in counters (without computers or digital scales) a basic waiting area (without air conditioning and open to the elements), and no jet bridges. The experience for passengers — especially during peak travel periods — is cramped, slow, and uncomfortable.

Airlines and Routes

Bata Airport currently hosts a few regional and domestic carriers. The main airline is Cronos Airlines, offering multiple flights a day to Malabo, the capital, as well as limited chartered services to cities like Cotonou, Port Harcourt, and Douala.

CEIBA Intercontinental, the national carrier, also maintains connections to Malabo and occasionally flies to other Central African destinations.

Afrijet, based in Libreville, operates regular flights to Bata as well

Facilities

The existing terminal is outdated, cramped, and offers very few amenities. Check-in counters are limited, often leading to long queues. Security screening is manual and basic, sometimes resulting in extended wait times during busy periods.

Inside the terminal, passenger facilities are minimal:

  • Toilets: Surprisingly one of the few highlights of Bata Airport. Considering the state the rest of the airport is in, the toilets are plentiful and clean.
  • Food and Drink: There is only one small café airside, where you can get basic sandwiches, soft drinks, beer and wine. Before check in and security, outside of the terminal building, are roughly half a dozen small cafes offering hot meals, drinks and snacks. Try to utilise these as they are better quality and more cost effective.
  • Retail and Services: There are a couple of ATMs outside of the airport. There are no currency exchange services. Wi-Fi is unavailable, and there are no business lounges. There are a couple of souvenir shops operating outside of the airport.
  • Boarding: Passengers board planes directly from the tarmac, as there are no jet bridges.

Transportation

Transportation to and from the airport is limited to taxis. There are no shuttle buses or public transport options. Parking is available but basic.

New Terminal

While historically overshadowed by the nation’s capital airport in Malabo, Bata’s growing strategic and economic importance is finally being matched by long-overdue infrastructure investment.

Beginning construction in 2019, the modern, new terminal was meant to open in 2024, however, as of 2025, it is still at least one year off opening.

Designed by South Korean firm Heerim Architects, the new facility will span more than 35,000 square meters and is equipped to handle up to two million passengers annually.

Key improvements include multiple jet bridges, modern security and baggage handling systems, expanded retail and passenger service areas, and new road and parking infrastructure. For the first time, Bata has an airport terminal on par with international standards.

While the construction site gives the appearance of almost being complete, there is no indication when the new terminal will open.

If you are wondering what there is to see on the mainland of Equatorial Guinea, then check out this blog on the highlights of the Equatorial Guinea mainland. For more information on what it is like to travel in Equatorial Guinea, check out our Equatorial Guinea destination guide.

If you're looking to come and explore Equatorial Guinea, then check out our Equatorial Guinea group tours we have available here on our website. We can also arrange private tours so if that's more your style get in touch at [email protected].



Ben Crowley

Ben Crowley

Co-founder of SAIGAtours, Ben is known for his extensive trivia knowledge, which comes in very handy for long bus rides! He loves a good road trip and has a passion for driving some of the most dangerous and exciting roads in the world. When not traveling he loves playing and watching sport, and is an excellent squash player.

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