Have you ever asked the question – How many international airports does Nigeria have? Or what are the names of the international airports in Nigeria?
This article has answered all your questions with their locations across Nigeria.
Before that let’s quickly define an international airport for you!
As its name implies, an international airport is an airport with customs and border control facilities enabling passengers or travelers to travel between countries. International airports are usually larger than domestic airports and often feature longer runways and facilities to accommodate the heavier aircraft commonly used for international and intercontinental travel. One important thing to also note about International airports is that they often host domestic flights.
Apart from airports, Nigeria also has lots of scattered runways and airfields located throughout the whole country. The majority of them is owned by Nigeria military forces and some oil enterprises.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) boasts of having 26 airports. Though, only 5 among them are international.
Now that you have known what an international airport is let’s now run you through the List of international airports in Nigeria, their locations and features.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos is Nigeria’s busiest airport – with two terminals – International and Cargo terminals which opens 24 hours daily while the domestic terminal opens 16 hours daily.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport was officially opened on the 15th of March in 1979.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport was given the name in order to honour former Nigerian President Late Murtala Mohammed and praise his contribution to the life and development of Nigeria.
The airport is situated in Ikeja, Lagos and has a capacity for welcoming internal and international flights.
Murtala Mohammed International Airport passenger flow reaches 5 million people a year, this constitutes 50% of all Nigerian air traffic.
The airport has recently undergone modernization along with the construction of a new terminal.
Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is Nigeria’s second busiest airport.
It was built in the early 2000 and opened in 2002. It holds a pride of place, among airports in the country, as the international airport for the country’s federal capital, Abuja.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport is located in Nigerian capital city of Abuja. Nnamdi Azikiwe is located 24 km from the city center. It welcomes both domestic and international flights of 18 airlines.
Port Harcourt International Airport
Port Harcourt International Airport was built in 1950. Since then, it provides all international flights passengers with excellent service. The airport has one terminal which functions for welcoming both Nigerian residents and foreigners.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
MAKIA is one of the country’s oldest international airports.
Before Nigeria gained independence, this airport was a military venue for departures and arrivals of Royal Air Force. It was named after Aminu Kano – a popular Nigerian politician. It has two runways and serves civil and military purposes.
The remodelled Mallam Aminu Kano International was remodelled and commissioned on March 15, 2015 by HRH, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on the March 15, 2013.
Akanu Ibiam International Airport
The airport is situated in Enugu. It received its name in honour of famous Medical Doctor and Statesman – Akanu Ibiam.
The airport town where it is located is named in honour of Lewis, Viscount Harcord, Secretary of State for Colonies, and originally for export of coal mined in Enugu.
Among airlines that use this airport as a departure point are Aero Contractors, Air Peace, Arik Air, Med-View Airline, Ethiopian Airlines.
Have you used any of the above international airports? Which of them do you rate the best?
Let’s chat in comments…
