Category: Airports

Yola International Airport serves as a vital aviation facility for Yola, the capital city of Adamawa State in Nigeria. Situated approximately 8 kilometers (5.0 miles) northwest of Yola, the airport plays a pivotal role in connecting the region to domestic destinations and beyond.

The airport is equipped with night landing capabilities, enabling flights to operate during nighttime hours. However, it’s important to note that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria imposes restrictions on night operations for most non-international designated airports. Exceptions to these restrictions are typically made for passenger flights during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Yola International Airport has a rich history. Its operations date back to 1978, although it was not fully commissioned until 1984. In 2002, the airport became fully operational as a domestic airport, serving the growing air travel needs of the region. It is interesting to note that in its early days, Yola Airport was primarily used for transporting fruits, particularly mangoes, across the country.

Today, Yola International Airport serves as a crucial transportation hub, connecting passengers to major cities throughout Nigeria. The airport facilitates domestic air travel, supporting tourism, business activities, and cultural exchange. It serves as a gateway for tourists, entrepreneurs, and locals, providing convenient access to and from Yola and the surrounding areas.

Victor Attah International Airport, formerly known as Akwa Ibom International Airport, serves as a pivotal airport for Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. The airport underwent a significant name change, being renamed after former Governor Obong Victor Attah during a Banquet held to honor his 80th birthday on November 24, 2018, under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

Located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Uyo and 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) northwest of the river port of Oron, Victor Attah International Airport enjoys a strategic location that supports efficient connectivity for the region.

To aid navigation and provide essential guidance for pilots, the Akwa Ibom non-directional beacon (Ident: AI) and Uyo VOR-DME (Ident: AKW) are situated on the airport premises, contributing to safe and reliable air traffic management.

The airport’s development unfolded in multiple phases. The initial phase of construction commenced in 2006 and concluded in 2009, resulting in the inauguration of Victor Attah International Airport on September 23, 2009. Subsequently, the second construction phase commenced in 2012, encompassing several crucial additions. These included the completion of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility, the construction of an international terminal, and the expansion of taxiways to accommodate increased traffic and facilitate smoother aircraft movements.

Notably, Victor Attah International Airport boasts a dedicated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, purposefully constructed to accommodate the maintenance and overhaul of heavy commercial aircraft. This state-of-the-art facility plays a vital role in supporting the aviation industry by providing comprehensive maintenance services, ensuring the airworthiness and operational efficiency of commercial aircraft.

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, also referred to as Imo State Airport, serves as a vital aviation facility for Owerri, the capital city of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. It is strategically located in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, providing convenient access to the region.

The construction of the airport commenced during the administration of Dee Sam Mbakwe, the first civilian governor of the former Imo State, in 1983. This noteworthy project was made possible through the generous contributions of the state’s indigenes and people from throughout the Igbo land. It is worth highlighting that the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport stands as the first state-owned airport and is recognized as the first community-driven airport initiative.

In 2013-2014, the airport underwent a significant upgrade, focusing on enhancing its infrastructure and communication equipment. This upgrade was part of the broader Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project, extending the coverage of the airspace beyond Port Harcourt Airport. The improvements made during this period have strengthened the airport’s capabilities, ensuring efficient and safe operations.

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport is equipped with night landing capabilities, allowing flights to operate during nighttime hours. However, it is important to note that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria imposes restrictions on night operations for most non-international designated airports, except for passenger flights during the Hajj pilgrimage.

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport serves as a crucial transportation hub, facilitating cargo operations and connecting Owerri to various domestic destinations. It plays a significant role in boosting economic activities, trade, and tourism in Imo State and the surrounding regions.

Maiduguri International Airport, located in Maiduguri, the capital city of Borno State in Nigeria, holds significant importance as a key aviation facility in the region. Established in 1950, the airport has played a crucial role in connecting Maiduguri with various domestic destinations.

Over the years, Maiduguri International Airport has faced challenges related to security threats, resulting in temporary closures. However, it has since resumed operations and currently serves as the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters for Borno State. While the airport carries the designation of an international airport, the majority of its flight operations are domestic, with only a few international flights per year.

A noteworthy development in the airport’s history occurred on May 29, 2023 when it was officially announced that the airport would be renamed as Muhammadu Buhari International Airport. This change in name honors Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria at that time, recognizing his contributions and leadership to the nation.

The airport continues to serve as a vital transportation hub for Maiduguri and the surrounding region. It facilitates domestic air travel, connecting the city with other major cities across Nigeria, playing a crucial role in promoting economic activities, facilitating trade, tourism, and business ventures.

While the volume of international flights remains limited, Maiduguri International Airport holds the potential for future expansion and increased international connectivity as security conditions improve in the region.

Yakubu Gowon Airport, commonly referred to as Jos Airport, holds significant importance as the primary aviation facility serving Jos, the capital city of Plateau State in Nigeria. The airport is named in honor of Yakubu Gowon, the former head of state of Nigeria, recognizing his contributions to the nation’s history.

Situated in the heart of the Middle Belt Zone, Yakubu Gowon Airport acts as a vital link between Plateau State and other neighboring states in the region. It plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel, fostering connectivity, and promoting economic development within Plateau State and the surrounding areas.

The airport boasts a well-maintained runway, measuring approximately 9,845 feet in length and 148 feet in width. This runway meets international standards, enabling the safe takeoff and landing of various aircraft.

Yakubu Gowon Airport serves as a crucial gateway for tourists, business travelers, and residents alike. It facilitates domestic air travel, connecting Jos with other cities across Nigeria, enhancing regional connectivity, and promoting socio-economic growth.

Efforts are continually being made to enhance the infrastructure and services at Yakubu Gowon Airport, meeting the evolving needs of travelers. The airport remains committed to providing efficient and reliable air transport services, playing a vital role in the growth and prosperity of Jos and the surrounding region.

Ibadan Airport plays a crucial role in serving Ibadan, the vibrant capital city of Oyo State in Nigeria. The airport, commissioned in June 1982 by Joseph Wayas, a former senate president of Nigeria, stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to air connectivity and transportation infrastructure.

At present, Ibadan Airport primarily caters to domestic arrivals and departures, facilitating travel to and from various cities within Nigeria. As a vital link in Nigeria’s domestic air travel network, the airport serves as a gateway for tourists, business travelers, and residents, enabling convenient access to Ibadan and its surrounding areas.

Managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ibadan Airport adheres to international standards in terms of operations, safety, and passenger services. The airport strives to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers, offering modern facilities and amenities within its terminal building.

Although currently limited to domestic flights, Ibadan Airport holds immense potential for future expansion and development. As the demand for air travel grows and connectivity requirements increase, there may be opportunities to introduce international flights or enhance the airport’s infrastructure to accommodate larger aircraft and a wider range of destinations.

Margaret Ekpo International Airport, popularly known as Calabar Airport, serves as the primary aviation gateway to Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria. The airport holds a significant historical and cultural significance as it is named after Margaret Ekpo, a renowned Nigerian feminist and anticolonial activist who made groundbreaking contributions to the nation’s political landscape.

The airport was officially commissioned on July 23, 1983, in a ceremony led by Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the former president of Nigeria. The decision to name the airport after Margaret Ekpo was a fitting tribute to honor her immense service to the country and her trailblazing political endeavors. Her efforts and commitment to women’s rights and the struggle against colonial rule left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history.

Margaret Ekpo International Airport encompasses a single terminal building that caters to the needs of passengers, providing modern facilities and amenities for a comfortable travel experience. The terminal serves as a hub for domestic and international flights, facilitating the movement of tourists, business travelers, and residents in and out of Calabar.

The airport features a well-maintained runway that spans approximately 2,450 meters, accommodating a range of aircraft sizes and ensuring safe takeoffs and landings. The runway’s design and length comply with international standards, facilitating smooth operations and promoting aviation safety.

Margaret Ekpo International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for Cross River State, playing a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth, tourism, and cultural exchange. It connects Calabar to various domestic and international destinations, strengthening regional connectivity and fostering opportunities for trade, investment, and development.

Benin Airport is a significant airport that serves Benin City, the capital of Edo State in Nigeria. Notably, the airport’s unique characteristic is its location, as the runway is situated right in the heart of the city, providing convenient access for travelers.

Originally constructed in 1956 by the former Public Works Department (PWD), the airport underwent a substantial upgrade between 1975 and 1978, enhancing its infrastructure and facilities to accommodate the growing demands of air travel. Following the upgrade, the airport was officially handed over to the Nigerian Airports Authority (NAA), solidifying its status as a key transportation hub in the region.

Throughout the years, Benin Airport has played a crucial role in facilitating domestic air travel, connecting Benin City to various destinations across Nigeria. Given its central location within the city, the airport offers convenience and accessibility, allowing travelers to easily reach their destinations within Benin City and the surrounding areas. This strategic placement contributes to the development and connectivity of the region, attracting investments, tourism, and fostering connections between communities.

With its rich history and continuous development, Benin Airport stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to aviation infrastructure, offering modern facilities, reliable services, and efficient operations to ensure a seamless travel experience for all passengers passing through its gates.

The Bauchi State Airport, also known as Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Bauchi State International Airport, is a recently constructed airport that serves the city of Bauchi, the capital of Bauchi State in Nigeria. Its name pays tribute to Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the former Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1957 to 1966. Positioned 22 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of Bauchi, the airport offers convenient air transportation facilities to the region.

The construction of this airport was completed within a span of 18 months, with the aim of replacing the old Bauchi Airport located within the city. It currently operates scheduled airline services and has plans to establish a cargo terminal in the future. Additionally, the airport features the BU non-directional beacon (Ident: BU) and the Bauchi VOR-DME (Ident: BCH), providing navigational aids on the field.

Established in 2014 under the leadership of Governor Isa Yuguda, the Bauchi State Airport was envisioned to contribute to the growth of tourism in the state, showcasing its attractions to visitors from Nigeria and beyond.

The airport boasts a single runway, which is paved with asphalt to ensure a sturdy surface capable of handling significant runway pressures. Moreover, the runway is equipped with illumination for enhanced visibility and safety. The Bauchi State Airport encompasses a single terminal that is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities and facilities to cater to the needs of passengers and provide a comfortable travel experience.

Asaba International Airport serves as the primary international airport for Asaba and the entire Delta State in Nigeria, as well as neighboring cities. Situated approximately 7.9 kilometers (4.9 miles) east of the city center of Asaba, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the region with global destinations.

The development of Asaba International Airport was conceptualized by the Delta State Government as part of a strategic economic plan aimed at opening the sub-region to the global business community. The airport commenced passenger operations on July 13, 2011.

Over time, Asaba International Airport has been steadily emerging as a sub-regional hub, facilitating connectivity between major commercial cities such as Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano, and Onitsha. It also serves as a gateway for other cities within the South-East and South-South regions, fostering trade and enabling convenient connections, particularly in the Oil & Gas sector. In addition to scheduled flights, the runway at Asaba International Airport is utilized by private companies for private and charter flights, as well as for state visits. Plans are underway to prepare the airport for international flight services in the near future.

Recognizing the initial successes in repositioning the airport, the Delta State Government, led by His Excellency Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, decided to embark on an expansion and modernization project. This endeavor is being carried out through a Private-Public Partnership arrangement, which encourages private sector participation to ensure optimal operations of the airport. The objective is to stimulate economic growth, enhance trade and commerce, promote entrepreneurship, generate employment opportunities, and facilitate skill acquisition in the region.