Have you ever wondered how many international airports there are in Nigeria? As the most populous country in Africa with over 200 million people, Nigeria has a robust air transportation infrastructure to connect its many cities and regions. Though it may not have as many international airports as countries like the United States, Nigeria still has several major hubs that link it to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. In this article, we’ll take a look at all of the international airports in Nigeria today. You’ll learn exactly how many there are and where they’re located. Whether you’re a frequent flier in Nigeria or just curious about its aviation capabilities, you’ll discover the full list of its international airports and what they have to offer.
What Is an International Airport?
An international airport is an airport that offers customs and immigration facilities for passengers traveling between countries. These airports have specific sections of the Airport designated for international arrivals and departures. When you arrive at an international airport on an international flight, you’ll have to go through immigration and customs to enter the country legally.
Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is a service organization that is statutorily charged to manage all commercial airports in Nigeria and provide service to both passenger and cargo airlines.
Facilities and Services
International airports typically offer a wide range of facilities and services for international travelers. This includes things like:
- Customs and immigration facilities to clear you for entry into the country. Officers will check your passport and any necessary visas or paperwork.
- Currency exchange services so you can obtain the local currency. Most major currencies are available for exchange at international airports.
- International baggage claim, where you’ll collect your checked bags after clearing customs. Bags are delivered here from your arriving international flight.
- Premium airport lounges for those with business or first-class tickets. These lounges offer comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and more while you wait for your flight.
- A wide range of dining and shopping options reflecting the diversity of travelers. You’ll find both local and international cuisine, newsstands, pharmacies, and more.
- ATMs and banking facilities are available in case you need to withdraw cash or make transactions. Major international banks operate within most international airports.
- Hotel bookings and ground transportation options to help you continue your journey. Most international airports offer taxi, bus, and train connections to the nearest city centers and destinations.
- Medical facilities in case of emergencies. Most major international airports have 24-hour medical clinics with doctors and nurses on staff.
So, in summary, an international airport is specifically designed and equipped to handle international passengers and provide all the necessary facilities and services to get you into the country and on your way. It’s truly the gateway to discovering all the world has to offer!
How Many International Airports Are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has a total of 32 airports, of which 26 are under FAAN. There are 13 international airports in Nigeria, out of which only 5 are fully functional. Nigeria currently has five fully functional international airports located in different parts of the country. These airports serve as the main ports of entry for international travelers coming into Nigeria.
List of International Airports in Nigeria and Their Location
| State | Airport Name | Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Capital Territory | Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport | 8 | 25 |
| Anambra | Anambra International Cargo Airport | N/A | N/A |
| Ebonyi | Ebonyi State International Airport | N/A | N/A |
| Enugu | Akanu Ibiam International Airport | 2 | 3 |
| Kwara | Ilorin International Airport | 1 | 1 |
| Kaduna | Kaduna International Airport | 1 | 1 |
| Kano | Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | 6 | 7 |
| Lagos | Murtala Muhammed International Airport | 27 | 43 |
| Rivers | Port Harcourt International Airport | 7 | 2 |
| Sokoto | Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport | 1 | 1 |
The 5 Globally-Recognized International Airports in Nigeria
Nigeria has five major international airports that serve as the main entry points for international travelers and facilitate the transportation of cargo and goods in and out of the country. These airports are strategically located in major cities across Nigeria.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Murtala Muhammed International Airport is the premier Airport in Nigeria. It was opened in 1979 and named after the former military Head of State, Murtala Muhammed. The Airport has two runways and can handle over 8 million passengers annually. It offers direct and connecting flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is located in Kano, northern Nigeria. It serves as the main Airport for northern Nigeria and surrounding countries like Niger, Chad and Cameroon. The Airport was opened in 1936 during British colonial rule. It offers direct flights to destinations across Africa and the Middle East, as well as Hajj flights for pilgrims traveling to Mecca for the Hajj.
Port Harcourt International Airport
Port Harcourt International Airport (IATA: PHC, ICAO: DNPO) is an international airport in Omagwa, a suburb of Nigeria’s Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt. The Airport has two terminals that serve both international and domestic flights. It is one of the major airports in southern Nigeria, serving the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The Airport has been operating since the 1980s. It offers direct flights to destinations across Nigeria as well as to other major cities in Central Africa. It was closed in August 2006 due to an emergency and was re-opened later in December 2007 with limited capacity. On October 25, 2018, former president Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the new international terminal. The Airport is also an important cargo hub, facilitating the transportation of oil workers and equipment in and out of the region.
Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Akanu Ibiam International Airport (IATA: ENU, ICAO: DNEN), also known as Enugu Airport, is the primary Airport serving southeastern Nigeria. It was named after Dr. Akanu Ibiam (1906–1995), a distinguished medical doctor and politician. He hailed from Afikpo in Ebonyi State. The Airport offers connecting domestic flights to Lagos and Abuja, as well as direct international flights to destinations across Africa.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is located in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. It is Nigeria’s second busiest and largest Airport, named after Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. The Airport was built in the early 2000 and opened in 2002. It offers connecting and direct domestic and international flights to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The Airport serves as an important transportation hub for politicians, government officials, and businessmen traveling to Abuja.
List of Domestic Airports in Nigeria
| State | Airport Name |
|---|---|
| Delta | Asaba International Airport |
| Bauchi | Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Airport (Bauchi State Airport) |
| Edo | Benin Airport |
| Cross River | Margaret Ekpo International Airport |
| Oyo | Ibadan Airport |
| Plateau | Yakubu Gowon Airport |
| Borno | Maiduguri International Airport |
| Imo | Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA) |
| Akwa Ibom | Akwa Ibom Airport (Victor Attah Int’l) |
| Adamawa | Yola Airport |
| Nassarawa | Lafia Cargo Airport |
| Ondo | Akure Airport |
| Gombe | Gombe Lawanti International Airport (Sani Abacha Int’l.) |
| Kebbi | Kebbi International Airport (Sir Ahmadu Bello Int’l.) |
| Jigawa | Dutse International Airport |
| Taraba | Jalingo Airport (Danbaba Danfulani Suntai Airport) |
| Katsina | Katsina Airport |
| Benue | Makurdi Airport |
| Niger | Minna Airport |
| Delta | Warri Airport (Osubi Airstrip) |
| Bayelsa | Bayelsa International Airport |
| Kaduna | Zaria Airport |
| Yobe | Damaturu Cargo Airport |
Difference Between International Airport and Local Airport
These are some of the differences between International and local airports:
Size and facilities
International airports are typically much larger than local airports. They have longer runways to accommodate larger planes and more terminal space to handle greater passenger volume. International airports also have customs and immigration facilities to process passengers arriving from or departing to foreign countries. Local airports usually only have facilities for domestic travel within a country.
Available destinations
You can fly directly to foreign destinations from international airports. Local airports typically only offer flights within a country or region. Some local airports may offer a limited number of international flights, but the options are far more extensive at major international hubs.
Security
Security screening at international airports is more stringent due to the greater risks associated with international travel. Additional checks like body scanners, document verification, and in-depth baggage screening are common. Local airports have standard security for domestic travel but fewer additional international security measures.
Cost
Air travel to and from international airports is often more expensive due to higher demand, greater distances, and additional taxes/fees for international flights. Fares for domestic travel within a country are usually lower at local airports. Some budget airlines only operate out of local airports to keep costs down.
Customs
Upon arriving at an international airport, you have to go through customs to declare the items you are bringing into the country. This includes baggage screening, document checks, and potentially duty payments for some goods. Local airports do not have customs for domestic arrivals within the same country.
Immigration
International airports require all passengers to clear immigration by presenting a valid passport and any necessary visas to enter the country. Local airports do not have immigration controls for passengers on domestic flights within the same country. Some may require government-issued ID for security purposes.
Available transport
International airports usually have more options for ground transport to nearby cities and destinations, including buses, trains, taxis, and rental cars. Transport from local airports is often more limited, depending on the surrounding infrastructure. Many people get dropped off or arranged pick-up by family/friends.
Importance of International Airports in Nigeria
These are some of the importance of International Airports in Nigeria:
Economic growth
International airports serve as major economic drivers. They facilitate tourism and business, bringing money into local communities. More tourists mean more revenue for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Business travelers boost commerce. All of this spurs job creation and economic development.
Improved connectivity
International airports connect Nigeria to the world, making it easier for people and goods to move in and out of the country. This connectivity promotes cultural exchange, education, and trade. It allows Nigeria to participate fully in the global economy.
Infrastructure development
Modern international airports require massive investments in infrastructure like runways, terminals, hangars, and control towers. This spending has multiplier effects, creating jobs in construction and many related industries. The improved infrastructure also makes Nigeria a more attractive place for businesses to invest and helps move people and cargo more efficiently.
Revenue generation
International airports are major generators of revenue through passenger fees, landing fees, parking fees, retail concessions, and more. This revenue can be used to fund the Airport’s operations and future growth. Some of it also flows to the government through taxes, providing funds for public services.
Tourism boost
International airports open up a country to tourism by making it easy for foreign visitors to enter and exit. More direct flight routes and connections mean it’s convenient for tourists to reach their destination. This boost in tourism brings money into the economy through spending on lodging, food, entertainment, shopping, and recreational activities.
National pride
Impressive international airports can be a source of pride for citizens. They showcase a nation’s progress and modernity on the global stage. Eye-catching airport architecture and facilities leave a lasting impression on visitors and contribute to a country’s brand and reputation.
Conclusion
Nigeria has 13 international airports, but only five are functional and are located in the cities of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. While they might not be as numerous as some larger countries, these airports serve millions of domestic and international passengers every year. Traveling through Nigeria is an amazing way to experience the diversity, culture, and natural beauty this nation has to offer. As you make your travel plans, refer to this list to find the most convenient Airport for your destination.