list of airports in Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, boasts a growing network of airports serving both domestic and international travel needs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a business traveler, or a returning Nigerian, understanding the airport landscape is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Nigeria, detailing their locations, services, and importance to the nation’s connectivity.
International Gateways: Nigeria’s Primary Airports
Nigeria’s international airports are the main entry and exit points for travelers. These hubs are equipped to handle large volumes of passengers and cargo, offering a wider range of amenities and connections.
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos: The busiest airport in Nigeria, MMIA serves as a major hub for West African travel. Located in Ikeja, Lagos, it handles a significant portion of international flights and domestic connections. Recent renovations have improved passenger experience, but it can still be congested during peak hours.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja: Serving the capital city, NAIA is a crucial airport for government officials, business travelers, and those connecting to central and northern Nigeria. It underwent a significant runway rehabilitation in recent years, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
- Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Port Harcourt: Located in Rivers State, PHIA is a vital gateway to the Niger Delta region, supporting the oil and gas industry and facilitating travel to the southern part of the country. It has seen upgrades to improve its capacity and facilities.
- Kano International Airport (KIA), Kano: Serving the northern commercial center of Kano, this airport is important for trade and religious pilgrimages. It handles both passenger and cargo traffic, with connections to various destinations in the Middle East and beyond.
- Enugu Airport (ENU), Enugu: Also known as Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu Airport serves the southeastern region of Nigeria. It has faced challenges with runway length and safety concerns, but recent expansions have addressed some of these issues.
Domestic Airports: Connecting Nigeria’s Regions
Beyond the international hubs, Nigeria has a network of domestic airports that connect its diverse regions. These airports are essential for internal travel, facilitating business, tourism, and personal visits.
- Ibadan Airport (IBA), Ibadan: Serving Oyo State, this airport is experiencing increased activity with more domestic flights.
- Owerri Airport (QOW), Owerri: Located in Imo State, this airport is a key access point to the southeastern region.
- Kaduna Airport (KAD), Kaduna: Often used as an alternative to Abuja, especially during runway maintenance, Kaduna Airport serves Kaduna State and surrounding areas.
- Maiduguri Airport (MIU), Maiduguri: Serving Borno State, this airport is crucial for humanitarian efforts and connectivity in the northeast.
- Makurdi Airport (MDI), Makurdi: Serving Benue State, it supports agricultural activities and regional travel.
- Sokoto Airport (SKO), Sokoto: Serving Sokoto State, it’s important for regional connectivity and religious travel.
- Jos Airport (JOS), Jos: Serving Plateau State, it caters to tourism and local travel.
- Akure Airport (AKR), Akure: Serving Ondo State, it facilitates travel to the southwestern region.
- Asaba International Airport (ABB), Asaba: Serving Delta State, it’s a growing hub for business and leisure travel.
- Bauchi Airport (BCU), Bauchi: Serving Bauchi State, it supports regional travel and economic activities.
- Yola Airport (YOL), Yola: Serving Adamawa State, it’s a vital link for the northeast region.
- Gombe Lawanti International Airport (GMO), Gombe: A newer international airport serving Gombe State, aiming to boost regional trade and travel.
- Minna Airport (MXJ), Minna: Serving Niger State, it supports local travel and economic activities.
- Warri Airport (QRW), Warri: Serving Delta State, it caters to the oil and gas industry and regional travel.
- Zaria Airport (ZAR), Zaria: Primarily used for training and limited commercial flights.
A Table of Airports in Nigeria
| Airport Name | IATA Code | City | State | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murtala Muhammed International Airport | LOS | Lagos | Lagos | International |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport | ABV | Abuja | Federal Capital Territory | International |
| Port Harcourt International Airport | PHC | Port Harcourt | Rivers | International |
| Kano International Airport | KAN | Kano | Kano | International |
| Enugu Airport | ENU | Enugu | Enugu | International |
| Ibadan Airport | IBA | Ibadan | Oyo | Domestic |
| Owerri Airport | QOW | Owerri | Imo | Domestic |
| Kaduna Airport | KAD | Kaduna | Kaduna | Domestic |
| Maiduguri Airport | MIU | Maiduguri | Borno | Domestic |
| Makurdi Airport | MDI | Makurdi | Benue | Domestic |
| Sokoto Airport | SKO | Sokoto | Sokoto | Domestic |
| Jos Airport | JOS | Jos | Plateau | Domestic |
| Akure Airport | AKR | Akure | Ondo | Domestic |
| Asaba International Airport | ABB | Asaba | Delta | Domestic |
| Bauchi Airport | BCU | Bauchi | Bauchi | Domestic |
| Yola Airport | YOL | Yola | Adamawa | Domestic |
| Gombe Lawanti International Airport | GMO | Gombe | Gombe | International |
| Minna Airport | MXJ | Minna | Niger | Domestic |
| Warri Airport | QRW | Warri | Delta | Domestic |
| Zaria Airport | ZAR | Zaria | Kaduna | Domestic |
Future Developments and Challenges
Nigeria’s aviation sector is undergoing significant development. The government is investing in airport modernization projects, including runway expansions, terminal upgrades, and improved security systems. However, challenges remain, such as infrastructure deficits, high operating costs, and the need for greater private sector participation. The planned establishment of more maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities is also a key focus to reduce reliance on foreign services. The growth of domestic airlines and the implementation of more efficient air traffic management systems are also vital for the sector’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which is the largest airport in Nigeria?
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos is the largest and busiest airport in Nigeria.
2. Is there a direct flight from the US to Nigeria?
Yes, there are direct flights from the US (specifically Atlanta) to Lagos (MMIA) operated by Delta Airlines.
3. What is the status of Enugu Airport’s runway?
Enugu Airport’s runway has undergone significant rehabilitation and expansion, addressing previous safety concerns and allowing for larger aircraft operations.
4. How can I get around from Abuja Airport?
Taxis, ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt), and airport shuttle buses are readily available outside Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.
5. Are there any new airports being built in Nigeria?
Several new airport projects are in various stages of development, including potential expansions and new builds in different states to improve connectivity.
Resources
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN): https://faan.gov.ng/
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA): https://ncaa.gov.ng/
- Airports Council International (ACI): https://aci.aero/ (Global airport information)
- FlightAware: https://flightaware.com/ (Real-time flight tracking)
- Wikipedia – List of Airports in Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airports_in_Nigeria
