Bluefields Airport

MNBL / BEF

Bluefields, NI

Last Updated
Apr 22, 12:00Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 38 min ago
12:00Z

☀️ Day
IFR
Flight Rules
23°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 23°C
4 kt
230°
4 km
Visibility
1,600 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
--
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR MNBL 221200Z 23004KT 4000 -RA BKN016 23/23 Q1014

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 20 ft
BKN 1,600 ft AGL
☁️
BKN
Broken (5/8-7/8 sky coverage)
1,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,620 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

IFR

Bluefields Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with broken clouds at 1,600 feet and 4 km visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the southwest (230°) at 4 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is reduced to 4 km. IFR conditions prevail and an instrument clearance is required for operations in controlled airspace. The ceiling is 1600 feet AGL (broken), placing conditions in the MVFR category.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 23°C (73°F) with a dewpoint of 23°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.

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.

Pilot Recommendations

An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.

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 212220Z 2200/2224 10004KT 9999 BKN018 FM220800 02004KT
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
12:37Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 100° 4 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 1,800 ft

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: 23
6,625 ft 98 ft ASP 56°
4.0 kt 0.0 kt
0° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - MNBL

2,776 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
53.8%
MVFR
41.6%
IFR
4.6%
LIFR
0%

Bluefields Airport is frequently affected by reduced visibility conditions, with VFR weather only 53.8% of the time and IFR/LIFR conditions occurring in 4.6% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the E averaging 4.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 96 knots. Temperatures typically range between 18°C and 34°C with an average of 27.1°C. The best months for VFR flying are March, April, February.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: E (90°)
Average Speed: 4.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 96 kt
Calm Winds: 5.8%
Direction Distribution:
N
25.1%
NE
14.8%
E
43.3%
SE
0.5%
S
1.2%
SW
0.5%
W
4.2%
NW
4.6%

Temperature Range

Average: 27.1°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 kt

Statistics computed from 2,776 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 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.