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Airports in Nigeria have an important role in connecting the country to the world, facilitating domestic and international travel. The flights are primarily connected through five major international airports in Nigeria, out of the 32 operational airports across the coast of Nigeria. These play host to millions of travellers yearly and support tourism, commerce, and trade. These are majorly operated and managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). It makes sure the operation is smooth and efficient. No matter how one arrives in Nigeria, through Lagos, Abuja or Kano, they are lifelines for global travellers.
10 Major Airports In Nigeria
Here are the major airports in Nigeria, from where travellers moving within Nigeria or to various international destinations will take off for their respective routes:
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS)
Photo: Dmitry A. Mottl / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja, Lagos, remains Nigeria’s most paramount. It is one of the busiest in the whole country, having a multitude of more than 7 million passengers each year. It has connections to European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cities. There are various airlines that hub out of the airport, which include British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and many others. It has two terminals, one for international flights and another for domestic flights. Other passenger amenities range from VIP lounges to duty-free shopping and newly expanded baggage claim. Security enhancements include state-of-the-art screening systems and biometric verification.
Location: Muritala Airport Rd., Ikeja 234001, Lagos, Nigeria
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)
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Located in Abuja, it is one of the busiest and most strategic airports in Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is the main gateway to the capital city and is named after the first President of Nigeria. There are two terminals, with one dedicated to domestic flights and one to international operations. The airport was renovated a couple of years ago, and the infrastructure includes extended runways, enhanced security systems, and new passenger facilities. The airport hosts airlines such as British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Lufthansa, offering direct flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Additionally, Air Peace and Arik Air operate as domestic carriers from this airport.
Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
3. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN)
Photo: Solasly / Wikimedia Commons
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport was built in the 1930s as a Royal Air Force base. After its establishment in 1930, it evolved into a key aviation hub in northern Nigeria and is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria. Though both a passenger and cargo airport, airlines such as EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Saudia fly international routes. There are two terminals at the airport, one for domestic and the other for international operations. Hajj operations hold a special place in the airport, transporting thousands of pilgrims yearly to Mecca. The airport is well-designed for customs and is, therefore, most favoured by cargo importers.
Location: Lagos Rd., Kano 700211, Kano, Nigeria
4. Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
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Port Harcourt International Airport serves as the major aviation hub in southern Nigeria, situated in Omagwa, Rivers State. It is one of the gateways to the nation’s oil and gas sector, transporting business executives and expatriates to the delta region. The airport has domestic and international terminals. The most renowned airlines are Air Peace, Arik Air, and Ethiopian Airlines. There is connectivity to other destinations, including Lagos, Abuja, and Addis Ababa. Recent rehabilitation has added modern check-in counters, a more extensive lounge area, and additional security.
Location: 2X83+3J8, Umuecheigbo 511101, Rivers, Nigeria
5. Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU)
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Akanu Ibiam International Airport, located in Enugu, is the key air gateway in southeast Nigeria. The airport was structurally enhanced in 2020 with facilities for larger aircraft supervised due to an extended runway (3,000 meters). Currently, it operates domestic and international flights, with a direct flight route to Addis Ababa via Ethiopian Airlines. Other facilities include an upgraded terminal, VIP lounges, and a new baggage-handling system. The airport opened its doors to strategic locations and became a good transit area where people for business or leisure activities connect.
Location: Enugu, Nigeria
6. Sam Mbakwe Airport (QOW)
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Sam Mbakwe Airport, or Imo Airport, is an important aviation hub in Owerri, Imo State. It serves as the gateway to southeastern Nigeria. The airport is named after Sam Mbakwe, the first civilian governor of Imo State. It has become a significant centre for passenger and cargo aircraft. It has a very high domestic traffic volume, and Air Peace and Ibom Air operate daily flights to Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Its renovation has upgraded the airport’s runway and terminal facilities for the comfort of the travelling public.
Location: C6H2+2RV, Umuene Obiangwu 473119, Imo, Nigeria
7. Ibadan Airport (IBA)
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Constructed in 1982, this airport primarily offers domestic flights connecting Ibadan with major Nigerian cities like Abuja and Lagos. The airport operates under the Fair Authority of Nigeria and has a 2,400-meter runway. This can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft. Recent upgrades include improved terminals, expanded parking areas, and greater security systems. The airport services are crucial for business and academic travellers since Ibadan is an educational and economic centre. Getting to the city is easy since taxi services and ride-hailing services are right outside. These offer easy transport to the city and pose negligible inconvenience to the visitors.
Location: 9X6F+656, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
8. Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ)
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Margaret Ekpo International Airport, or Calabar Airport, is situated in Calabar, Cross River State. It is an important hub for southeastern Nigeria. The airport is mainly dedicated to domestic flights, although its infrastructure could allow for international operations. It serves as a key access point for tourists visiting the region’s scenic attractions like Obudu Mountain Resort and Tinapa Business Resort. Air Peace and Ibom Air have several flights from CBQ to Lagos and Abuja daily, providing smooth connectivity. The airport has a terminal, baggage claim area, and VIP lounges equipped to provide comfort to the passengers.
Location: Air Force Road, Airport Area, Calabar 540281, Cross River, Nigeria
9. Sultan Abubakar III International Airport (SKO)
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The Sultan Abubakar III International Airport (Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport) is one of the main arteries of northern Nigeria. It is a hub for Hajj pilgrimage flights into Saudi Arabia. It’s named after the prominent Sultan Abubakar III, who played a significant role in modernising Sokoto. It mainly handles domestic flights for Air Peace and Max Air towards Abuja, Lagos, and Kano. The airport presents a recently modernised terminal with improved passenger functions. These include extended check-in counters and baggage claim areas. It has a runway of 3,000 metres long, used mainly for commercial and chartered flights.
Location: Sokoto, Nigeria
10. Yakubu Gowon Airport (JOS)
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Yakubu Gowon Airport, sitting in Jos, Plateau State, is an important aviation hub in the heart of Nigeria. It caters to cargo and passenger flights and hence stimulates trade and tourism in the region. It is suitable for travellers who wish to visit the scenic Jos Plateau, which is enjoying cool weather. This airport has a single runway of about 3,000 meters that can carry medium-sized aircraft. It has recently undergone additions and improvements, which include new and better infrastructure, enhanced security systems, and improved passenger facilities.
Location: Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Airports in Nigeria are important gateways that connect the country to other domestic and international destinations. Their modern facilities and continuous upgrades have established them as a potential means of aiding travel. Whether flying for business, tourism, or trade, Nigeria’s airport network will enable travel easily throughout Africa and beyond. Plan through TripXL for a smooth travel planning process and then tour Nigeria’s exuberant cities.
Cover Photo: Kenneth Iwelumo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
