Bluefields Airport

MNBL / BEF

Bluefields, NI

Last Updated
Jul 18, 21:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 55 min ago
21:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
30°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 26°C
4 kt
90°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR MNBL 182100Z 09004KT 9999 SCT019 SCT090 30/26 Q1012

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 20 ft
SCT 1,900 ft AGL
SCT 9,000 ft AGL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
1,900 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,920 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
9,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
9,020 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Bluefields Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with scattered clouds at 1,900 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east (90°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: scattered at 1,900 ft, scattered at 9,000 ft.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 30°C (86°F) with a dewpoint of 26°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: DZ/-RA. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with DZ/-RA between 20:00Z and 23:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

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

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF MNBL 181535Z 1818/1918 10004KT 9999 SCT020 SCT090 TEMPO 1820/1823 08006KT 7000 DZ/-RA BKN018
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
21:55Z BASE
+0h
VFR 100° 4 kt
Visibility: 10+ km

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
NBL
05 ✈️
23

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 05/23
Active: 05
6,625 ft 98 ft ASP 56°
3.1 kt 2.6 kt
40° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - MNBL

3,849 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
50.9%
MVFR
44.7%
IFR
4.4%
LIFR
0%

Bluefields Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 50.9% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 4.4% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 5.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 96 knots. Temperatures typically range between 18°C and 34°C with an average of 27.6°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, April, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 5.2 kt
Maximum Recorded: 96 kt
Calm Winds: 5.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
20.4%
NE
13.6%
E
50%
SE
0.9%
S
1.6%
SW
0.4%
W
3.8%
NW
3.7%

Temperature Range

Average: 27.6°C
Range: 18°C to 34°C
18°C 34°C

Visibility

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

Best Months for VFR

March April February

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 3.2 kt

Statistics computed from 3,849 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Bluefields Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: MNBL
IATA Code: BEF
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 20 ft MSL

Location

City: Bluefields
Country: NI
Latitude: 11.991000°
Longitude: -83.774101°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+6

Runway Information

Runway 05/23
Length: 6,625 ft
Width: 98 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Bluefields Airport

Overview

Bluefields Airport serves the eastern coastal region of Nicaragua, located at 11.991000, -83.774101 with an elevation of 20 ft MSL. As a medium-sized airport, it provides essential aviation infrastructure for the Bluefields municipal area and surrounding regions. The airport features a single asphalt runway (05/23) measuring 6,625 feet in length.

Flying Conditions

Weather conditions at Bluefields Airport are predominantly visual flight rules (VFR) at 48.3% of observations, with marginal VFR conditions present 45.3% of the time. Winds consistently blow from the east (90°) at an average of 4.6 knots, with January, September, and October presenting the most favorable VFR conditions. Temperature remains stable, averaging 27°C with a range between 20°C and 34°C.

Notable Features

The airport's low elevation of 20 ft MSL indicates a coastal plain environment with minimal terrain challenges. Winds demonstrate remarkable consistency, with a 100% favorable wind alignment for runway 05/23 and an average crosswind of only 2.9 knots. Visibility is consistently excellent, averaging 10 statute miles with no recorded instances of fog or significant visibility restrictions.

Approach Considerations

Runway 05/23 offers optimal wind alignment, with easterly prevailing winds providing near-ideal approach conditions. The 6,625-foot asphalt runway provides substantial landing surface for most medium-sized aircraft. Pilots can expect predictable wind conditions with minimal crosswind complications, making approaches typically straightforward and consistent.

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.