Nigeria is home to a wide network of Airports. These airports in Nigeria serve both international and domestic travel. They connect the country’s major cities and support business, tourism, cargo movement, and regional connectivity.
In 2026, Nigeria’s aviation continues to grow with operational airports managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other stakeholders.
This article explains the Airports in Nigeria, their roles, locations, and functionality, offering a clear reference for travelers, aviation professionals, and anyone interested in Nigeria’s air transport system.
Overview of Airports in Nigeria
Nigeria has a network of more than 30 airports, including international and domestic facilities. Most Airports in Nigeria are operated by FAAN, the government agency responsible for managing commercial airports.
According to some aviation listings, Nigeria has 32 airports, with most under FAAN’s management. Of these, several serve international flights, while many others support domestic routes or specific regional needs.
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In addition to these main airports, the country also has airstrips and smaller airfields. These are maintained by the Nigerian Air Force and other entities and support non-commercial aviation activities.
Major International Airports in Nigeria
Nigeria’s international airports handle both inbound and outbound flights to foreign destinations. They serve as the primary gateways for global travel and commerce.
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is Nigeria’s busiest and most significant airport. It is located in Ikeja, Lagos State and serves millions of passengers each year. It handles both international and domestic flights and is a central hub for several Nigerian airlines.
The airport plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s air transport system. It connects Lagos to major cities in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport serves Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. It is one of the busiest Airports in Nigeria, handling high volumes of passengers. It has both international and domestic terminals that share a single runway.
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The airport supports international flights to Africa, Europe, and other global destinations. It is named after Nigeria’s first president, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
3. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
This airport is an important international gateway for Northern Nigeria. It serves the city of Kano, which is one of the country’s major commercial centres. The airport includes international and domestic terminals.
It plays a key role in religious travel and business aviation from the northern region.
4. Port Harcourt International Airport
Located in Omagwa, Rivers State, Port Harcourt International Airport serves the Niger Delta. It has separate terminals for international and domestic flights.
The airport supports business travel and cargo flights, and in 2024 handled over one million passengers.
5. Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)
Also known as Enugu Airport, this international airport serves Southeastern Nigeria. It connects Enugu and nearby cities to domestic and regional air routes.
The airport continues to play a role in linking the region’s economic hubs.
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Other Internationally-Capable Airports
Beyond the five listed above, some airports in Nigeria are considered to have international standards or seasonal international operations.
These include:
- Ilorin International Airport, Ilorin – Serves as an additional international gateway.
- Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto – Serves the northwest region.
- Maiduguri International Airport, Maiduguri – Provides services to the northeast.
These airports handle international flights on certain routes and offer connections beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Domestic Airports in Nigeria
Apart from international hubs, Airports in Nigeria include many domestic airports. These support internal air travel and help link regional centres.
Some key domestic airports include:
- Ibadan Airport (Oyo State) – A core airport for Southwest domestic flights.
- Benin Airport (Edo State) – Connects the south-south region.
- Warri Airport (Delta State) – Serves Effurun and the oil region.
- Yakubu Gowon Airport (Jos) – Vital for central Nigeria.
- Yola Airport (Adamawa) – Supports Northeast connectivity.
- Akure Airport (Ondo State) – Airport for the southwest region.
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Many of these domestic airports serve commercial flights linking state capitals and major cities.
You can learn more by reading the full list of airports in Nigeria.
Management and Regulation of Airports in Nigeria
Most Airports in Nigeria are managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This federal agency oversees the operation, maintenance, and development of commercial airports.
FAAN manages more than 20 airports throughout the country. These include major international hubs and many domestic airfields.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates safety, licensing, and compliance for Airports in Nigeria. It ensures that airports and airlines operate according to national and international standards.
In addition to FAAN-managed airports, some airports in Nigeria are owned or supported by state governments or private entities. These include airports under joint administration, public-private partnerships, or local government support.
Economic Performance of Airports in Nigeria
In recent years, the economic performance of Airports in Nigeria has been mixed.
A 2024 report noted that only a few airports are commercially profitable. For example, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos remains economically strong, but many others require cross-subsidisation.
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Nevertheless, a report covering airport revenues shows that around 20 airports generated significant revenue in 2024, with Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt airports contributing most of the total.
This mix of performance reflects the varied demand across different regions of the country.
The Role of Airports in Nigeria’s Growth
Airports are critical for Nigeria’s growth. They support tourism, trade, and domestic mobility. Airports in Nigeria help businesses access global markets. They also enable essential services like medical evacuation and cargo transport.
As the country grows economically, demand for efficient air travel is likely to increase. Improved airport infrastructure could strengthen connectivity within Nigeria and to the world.
Conclusion
Airports in Nigeria form a vital part of the nation’s transport infrastructure. The mix of international and domestic airports ensures both global and regional access. In 2026, Nigeria’s airports continue to serve millions of passengers, support commerce, and connect the country to global destinations.
From the busy terminals of Lagos and Abuja to domestic hubs serving regional flights, the Airports in Nigeria network remains a backbone of national mobility. Continued investment and effective management will be key to expanding capacity and enhancing service quality for years to come.
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