Nigeria has several airports connecting different parts of the country to one another and linking the nation to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and beyond.
From the busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, these airports play important roles in transportation, tourism, business and economic development.
Here are 15 notable airports in Nigeria, where they are located and some of the destinations they connect to.
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) – Lagos State
Located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Murtala Muhammed International Airport is Nigeria’s busiest airport and one of the country’s most important aviation gateways.
It serves as a major connection point for travellers flying within Nigeria and to international destinations.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Benin City, Calabar, Owerri, Kano, Asaba, Ilorin and other Nigerian cities.
- International destinations: London, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Paris, Addis Ababa, Accra, Johannesburg, Casablanca and several other international cities.
The airport has international and domestic terminals, with the domestic operations serving passengers travelling to different parts of Nigeria.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) – Abuja, FCT
Located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport serves Nigeria’s capital city and is one of the country’s busiest airports.
It is an important gateway for government officials, diplomats, business travellers, tourists and other passengers visiting the nation’s capital.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Owerri, Uyo, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Benin City, Asaba and other Nigerian cities.
- International destinations: London, Accra, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Doha, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Paris and other international destinations.
It provides important connections between Abuja and major cities across Nigeria and the rest of the world.
3. Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) – Rivers State
Port Harcourt International Airport is located in Omagwa, within Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It serves Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, as well as surrounding communities and neighbouring states. Its location makes it particularly important to the oil and gas industry in the Niger Delta.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos, Abuja and other Nigerian cities.
- International destinations: Regional connections have included destinations such as Libreville in Gabon and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
The airport provides an important travel gateway for businesspeople, oil and gas workers, tourists and residents of the South-South region.
4. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) – Kano State
Located in Kano, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria and an important aviation gateway to Northern Nigeria.
It serves Kano, a major commercial and trading centre in the country’s northern region.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos and Abuja, among other routes.
- International destinations: Addis Ababa, Jeddah, Cairo and Sharjah have featured in its international flight connections.
The airport also plays an important role during Hajj and Umrah seasons, when Muslim pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia.
5. Akanu Ibiam International Airport (ENU) – Enugu State
Located in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, Akanu Ibiam International Airport serves travellers from across the South-East and neighbouring parts of Nigeria.
It is named after the late Dr Akanu Ibiam, a Nigerian medical doctor and statesman.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos and Abuja, among other Nigerian destinations.
- Regional connections: The airport has also been associated with international flight operations, although regular international routes should be confirmed against current airline schedules.
It serves not only Enugu but also nearby cities and communities in Ebonyi, Anambra, Abia and other neighbouring states.
6. Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ) – Cross River State
Margaret Ekpo International Airport is located in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State.
The airport is named after Margaret Ekpo, a pioneering Nigerian women’s rights activist and nationalist.
It serves residents, business travellers and tourists visiting Calabar, a city known for its cultural heritage, tourism attractions and the famous Calabar Carnival.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos and Abuja, with other connections available depending on airline schedules.
- Regional connections: The airport has historically supported regional aviation connections within West Africa.
It provides an important transportation link for people visiting Cross River State and its surrounding communities.
7. Victor Attah International Airport (QUO) – Akwa Ibom State
Located in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Victor Attah International Airport is one of the state’s major transportation investments.
The airport is named after Victor Attah, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State.
It serves passengers travelling to Uyo and other parts of Akwa Ibom, as well as neighbouring states.
Where it connects to:
- Domestic destinations: Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu and Port Harcourt through Ibom Air’s domestic network.
- International destination: Accra, Ghana.
On May 2, 2026, Ibom Air operated its maiden international flight from Uyo to Accra, Ghana, marking an important milestone in the airport’s international operations.
This development has strengthened Akwa Ibom’s connection to other parts of West Africa.
8. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW) – Imo State
Located in the Owerri area of Imo State, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport serves Owerri and neighbouring communities in the South-East.
The airport is named after Sam Mbakwe, a former governor of the old Imo State.
Despite the word “Cargo” in its name, the airport also handles passenger flights.
Where it connects to:
- Lagos
- Abuja
These are two of its established direct passenger connections, with airlines operating services depending on their schedules.
The airport provides an important travel option for residents of Imo State and neighbouring areas who would otherwise have to travel to airports in other states.
9. Asaba International Airport (ABB) – Delta State
Asaba International Airport is located in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
It serves residents of Asaba and surrounding communities, including travellers from parts of Delta and neighbouring Anambra State.
The airport is particularly useful for people travelling to the commercial and administrative centres around the River Niger.
Where it connects to:
- Lagos
- Abuja
These are its principal scheduled domestic connections. Airlines operating on these routes include Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, Aero Contractors and Arik Air, depending on the schedule.
Although it carries the name International Airport, its regular scheduled passenger connections are primarily domestic.
10. Kaduna International Airport (KAD) – Kaduna State
Located in Kaduna, the capital of Kaduna State, Kaduna International Airport serves the city and surrounding communities in Northern Nigeria.
It is an important aviation facility for the region and has also served as an alternative airport for travellers heading to Abuja.
Where it connects to:
Kaduna Airport has supported domestic passenger operations and special aviation services. Its scheduled passenger connections have varied over time.
It is also important to note that Kaduna Airport was used as an alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport during the temporary closure of the Abuja airport in 2017.
11. Benin Airport (BNI) – Edo State
Benin Airport is located in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
It serves Benin City and neighbouring communities, providing air transportation for residents, business travellers and visitors to the state.
Where it connects to:
- Lagos
- Abuja
These are among the domestic destinations served through scheduled and other passenger operations, depending on the airline timetable.
The airport is particularly important to travellers who want to access Benin City without making the journey by road from Lagos or other major cities.
12. Sultan Abubakar III International Airport (SKO) – Sokoto State
Located in Sokoto, the capital of Sokoto State, this airport serves the northwestern part of Nigeria.
It is an important aviation facility for travellers visiting Sokoto and neighbouring communities.
Where it connects to:
The airport has supported domestic connections, including flights to Abuja and Kano, as well as special Hajj and Umrah operations.
Its location also makes it useful for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia during religious seasons.
13. Ilorin Airport (ILR) – Kwara State
Located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Ilorin Airport serves residents of the state and neighbouring communities.
It is an important transportation facility for people travelling to and from the North-Central region of Nigeria.
Where it connects to:
- Lagos
- Abuja
The airport has supported domestic passenger services, including connections operated by airlines such as Overland Airways, depending on the current timetable.
It provides an alternative to long-distance road journeys for people travelling between Kwara State and other major Nigerian cities.
14. Yakubu Gowon Airport (JOS) – Plateau State
Located in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, Yakubu Gowon Airport serves Jos and surrounding communities.
It is named after General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s former Head of State.
The airport is an important transportation facility for Plateau State, which is known for its beautiful landscapes, tourism attractions and agricultural activities.
Where it connects to:
The airport has supported domestic passenger connections, including flights linking Jos with Lagos and Abuja, although available services and operating airlines vary.
It provides an alternative means of transportation for residents and visitors travelling to Plateau State.
15. Maiduguri International Airport (MIU) – Borno State
Maiduguri International Airport is located in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria.
It serves Maiduguri and surrounding communities, providing an important transportation link for residents, government officials, humanitarian organisations and business travellers.
Where it connects to:
- Abuja
- Lagos
These are among the domestic connections associated with the airport, although flight availability depends on airline schedules.
The airport is particularly important because of Maiduguri’s geographical location and its role as a major administrative and commercial centre in northeastern Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Airports: Connecting Cities, Businesses and Communities
From Lagos and Abuja to Uyo, Enugu, Kano, Owerri and Maiduguri, Nigeria’s airports play an important role in connecting people, businesses and communities.
They make it easier for people to travel for work, education, tourism, family visits and business opportunities while supporting economic activities across different regions of the country.
As Nigeria continues to invest in its aviation infrastructure, these airports remain important to the country’s transportation network and its connection to the rest of the world.
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