Atar International Airport

GQPA / ATR

Atar, MR

Last Updated
Apr 30, 15:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 11 hours ago
15:00Z

🌙 Night
MVFR
Flight Rules
37°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 10°C
3 kt
Variable
8 km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR GQPA 301500Z VRB03KT 8000 NSC 37/10 Q1014

Weather Briefing

MVFR

Atar International Airport is currently reporting marginal VFR (MVFR) conditions with clear skies and 8 km visibility. Note: This observation is 11.1 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the variable directions at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 8 km, below VFR minimums in some airspace classifications. Check local requirements before departing VFR. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 37°C (99°F) with a dewpoint of 10°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

VFR pilots should exercise caution. Consider filing IFR if instrument rated, or postponing the flight if conditions are expected to deteriorate further.

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
QPA
04
22

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
04/22 9,855 ft 98 ft ASP 30° No wind data
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - GQPA

638 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
17.6%
MVFR
76.2%
IFR
5.8%
LIFR
0.5%

Atar International Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 17.6% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 6.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 8.7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 60 knots. Temperature extremes range from 12°C to 45°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are December, January, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 8.7 kt
Maximum Recorded: 60 kt
Calm Winds: 4.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
57.2%
NE
13.6%
E
10.8%
SE
1%
S
6.2%
SW
0.2%
W
6.1%
NW
0.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 28.4°C
Range: 12°C to 45°C
12°C 45°C

Visibility

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

Best Months for VFR

December January November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 04/22
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.1 kt

Statistics computed from 638 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Atar International Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: GQPA
IATA Code: ATR
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 734 ft MSL

Location

City: Atar
Country: MR
Latitude: 20.506800°
Longitude: -13.043200°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+1

Runway Information

Runway 04/22
Length: 9,855 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Atar International Airport

Overview

Atar International Airport serves the city of Atar in Mauritania, situated at an elevation of 734 feet MSL. The medium-sized airport provides critical aviation infrastructure in a remote desert region, supporting regional transportation and potential military/humanitarian operations in northwestern Mauritania.

Flying Conditions

Meteorological data indicates highly favorable flying conditions, with 97% of observations presenting VFR or MVFR conditions. Wind patterns are predominantly northerly at an average of 8.4 knots, with maximum gusts reaching 18 knots. The airport experiences significant temperature variation, ranging from 12°C to 45°C, with an average of 29°C.

Notable Features

The single runway (04/22) is 9,855 feet long with an asphalt surface, accommodating a wide range of aircraft types. The airport's desert location suggests potential for wind variability and thermal effects typical of arid environments. Calm wind conditions occur approximately 6.5% of the time, which is relatively infrequent.

Approach Considerations

Runway 04/22 offers consistently favorable wind alignment, with 100% wind compatibility and an average crosswind of only 3.9 knots. December, January, and November represent the most optimal months for VFR operations, characterized by the most stable weather conditions. Pilots should anticipate consistent visibility averaging 10 statute miles with minimal risk of reduced visual conditions.

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.