Airports In Benin: Key Travel Hubs For Easy Access

An aerial view of the aircraft on the black tarmac at one of the airports in Benin.
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Benin is an exciting travel destination for tourists interested in cultural heritage. From a throne of skulls to remnants of the slave trade, Benin is sure to please any history buff. The airports in Benin lead to a variety of attractions like Pendjari National Park. Witness the birthplace of the voodoo tradition and visit landmarks such as the Door of No Return. Before you plan your trip, select the best airport. This makes your schedule easier. This article will list the top airports in Benin.

Top 7 Airports In Benin

Here is a list of airports in Benin including the one major international airport, and scattered small, public, and domestic airports.

1. Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport

Entryway with a sign that says Aeroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin in Benin.

Photo: Fawaz.tairou / Wikimedia Commons

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport was previously known as Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport. It was renamed in 2021. This airport is currently managed by Paris International Airport with some government negotiations. It is the only international airport in Benin. This serves as the main aerial entry point to the country. It serves major airlines including Ethiopian, Airfrance, Turkish Airlines, and Brussels Airlines. Aside from passenger flights, this airport is also a Benin Air Force base. Some people practice aviation for leisure here. The airport runway is 2400 meters long and 45 meters wide.

Location: Ave Jean-Paul II, Cotonou, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Cotonou Cathedral, Fidjrossè Beach, Place des Martyrs

2. Bembéréké Airport

A stretch of runway with a small, private plane parked on it and white clouds above.

Photo: Joseph Walker / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Bembéréké Airport serves the region of Borgou in Benin. It is located 4 kilometres away from the town. The airport is at an elevation of 362 meters. Sometimes, you may also see this airport spelt as Bembèrèkè Airport, but the pronunciation is the same. This is a small, public airport that only operates domestic flights. Its ICAO code is DBBR. The airport currently has one runway with an approximate length of 733 meters. Bio Guerra Su Dom Se is a common tourist attraction near the airport. This airport is also close to other airports like Parakou Airport, Tankaro Airport, Kandi Airport, and Natitingou. Airport.

Location: 4 km NE of Bembéréké, Borgou, Benin.
Nearby Attractions: Kabourou Palace, Nikki Royal Palace, Parakou local markets

3. Cana Airport

A man on a small, grey aircraft on an asphalt runway with a metal roof structure above.

Photo: 竟傲 汤 / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Cana Airport is also called Bohicon Airport because it is located in the town of Bohicon, Zou. This airport has the ICAO code DBBC. This public-use airport has a long runway measuring around 2,576 metres. The runway is made of asphalt. Asphalt runways are porous. So, this runway dries fast after rain. This is a small airport. Travelers can tour the commune of Bohicon. You can taste cultural gastronomy like Afitin. The other nearest airports are Cadjehoun Airport, Savé Airport, and Akpaka Airport.

Location: Approx. 5 km away from Bohicon, Zou, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Bohicon Market, Somba Gorge

4. Kandi Airport

A long, dirt runway with a small aircraft on the runway at one of the airports in Benin.

Photo: Andrew Cutajar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

This small airport has the IATA code KDC and ICAO code DBBK. It is situated at an elevation of 292 meters. The airport is near Kandi in the Alibori region of Benin. It has one runway. It is a dirt runway with a length of 1,372 meters. This kind of dirt runway can serve various aircraft types like jets and air taxis. Passengers can travel to nearby locations like Donwari and Saah. Its closest other airports are Gaya Airport, Bembereke Airport, and Diapaga Airport.

Location: Kandi, Alibori, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Pendjari National Park, Kandi Markets, Alibori River

5. Boundétingou Airport

An image of a grey jet aircraft on a dirt runway at one of the airports in Benin.

Photo: Necati Ömer Karpuzoğlu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Boundétingou Airport is also known as Aéroport de Boundétingou (NAE). It is located close to the town of Natitingou. This public airport is an occasional choice for tourists in search of scenic attractions near airports in Benin. Some passengers have reported that they received overnight parking facilities at this airport. Boundétingou Airport has a small terminal with a dirt runway. The runway is 1,189 meters long. The airport is at an elevation of 461 meters above sea level. Its IATA airport code is NAE while its ICAO airport code is DBBN.

Location: Natitingou, Atakora, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Natitingou marketplace, Tanougou Waterfalls, Atakora Mountains

6. Porga Airport

A passenger aeroplane taking off from a grass runway, at one of the airports in Benin.

Photo: Reiner Schneider / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Porga Airport is an old airport located near the town of Porga. It is in the Atakora region of Benin. Its ICAO code is DBBO and it does not have an IATA code. It has only one runway with a grass surface. The runway is 2,051 meters in length. The runway does not need to be too long because grass creates more friction. So, it stops planes faster than a concrete or dirt runway. This small, public airport falls under the Niamey Flight Information Region. The other airports close to Porga Airport are Pama Airport, Arly Airport, and Djangou Airport.

Location: 2XWV+WG8, Porga, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Bush camp, Pendjari National Park

7. Djougou Airport

A parked aircraft at Djougou Airport which is one of the small airports in Benin for public use.

Photo: Miguel Cuenca / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Djougou Airport is a small airport meant for public use. It is located near Djougou in the Donga department of Benin. This airport sits at an elevation of 440 meters. It has one short, dirt runway. The runway measures 991 meters in length. Thus, this airport is only suitable for aircraft that can take off easily without any long pre-flight runs. The airport has the IATA code DJA and the ICAO airport code DBBD. It falls under the Accra Flight Information Region. The closest airports are Niamtougou International Airport and Sokodé Airport.

Location: Djougou, Donga, Benin
Nearby Attractions: Pythons Temple, Obama Beach, Grande Mosquée de Djougou

Travellers can choose Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport for maximum convenience and ease. It is also the main Benin entry point for international passengers. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there are other options for you. You can visit Porga Airport or Djougou Airport to take a flight to a scenic attraction. So, prepare your Benin itinerary accordingly and plan a trip with TripXL

Cover Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The most famous historical spots in Benin are the Ouidah Port and the Royal Palace of Abomey. Tourists can also visit the Python Temple, which was an important temple for Voodoo. You can also check out Monument aux Dévoués.
The main regions in Benin are Christianity and Islam. However, around 17% of the population practices various tribal African religions. This country has a diverse and rich religious history.
Barcode Station is a popular restaurant near the international airport for tourists craving American fast food. If you're looking for traditional Benin cuisine, try Saveurs of Benin or African Foodseum. You can also check out the local markets for freshly prepared food or ingredients.
Benin Royal Hotel and Nobila Airport Hotel are the most commonly chosen hotels near the airports in Benin. You can also book a room at Golden Tulip Le Diplomate or Benin City Centre Hotel.
The current national language of Benin is French. However, the country also recognizes national languages such as Yom, Yoruba, and Fom. English is rapidly becoming a popular spoken language because of its importance to trade and tourism.
It's best to visit Benin during the dry and cool weather, which is available from September to February. Travellers who don't mind heavy rain can visit this country in July or August.

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