Bluefields Airport

MNBL / BEF

Bluefields, NI

Last Updated
Mar 3, 19:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Stale 8 hours ago
19:00Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
29°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 23°C
6 kt
110°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR MNBL 031900Z 11006KT 9999 FEW019 29/23 Q1011

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 20 ft
FEW 1,900 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,900 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,920 ft AMSL

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF MNBL 032225Z 0400/0424 05010KT 9999 SCT018 TEMPO 0403/0406 7000 -DZ BKN017 TEMPO 0408/0416 06012KT 5000 -RA SCT016 SCT070
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
02:36Z BASE
+0h
VFR 50° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
03:00Z TEMPO
+1h
MVFR
Visibility: 7 km
Ceiling: 1,700 ft
Light Drizzle
08:00Z TEMPO
+6h
MVFR 60° 12 kt
Visibility: 5 km
Light Rain

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
  • • Hover for exact values and timestamps
  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
  • • Units automatically converted to preferences
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°
3.0 kt 5.2 kt
60° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - MNBL

2,199 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
50.4%
MVFR
44.3%
IFR
5.3%
LIFR
0%

Bluefields Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 50.4% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 5.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 4.8 knots, with gusts recorded up to 96 knots. Temperatures typically range between 18°C and 34°C with an average of 26.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, February, September.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 4.8 kt
Maximum Recorded: 96 kt
Calm Winds: 6.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
27.1%
NE
15.2%
E
38.6%
SE
0.6%
S
1.5%
SW
0.6%
W
4.8%
NW
5.1%

Temperature Range

Average: 26.8°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 February September

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05/23
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.9 kt

Statistics computed from 2,199 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 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.