How Many International Airports are in Nigeria? (2026 Updated List)
As of February 2026, there are 6 primary international airports in Nigeria that handle scheduled international passenger flights. While many other airports are labeled "International" due to their infrastructure or cargo capacity, these six serve as the main global gateways for the country.
The most recent addition to this elite list is the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, which received full international status approval from the Federal Government in early 2026.
Nigeria's International Airports Comparison Table
| Airport Name | City/State | IATA Code | Primary Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murtala Muhammed International Airport | Ikeja, Lagos | LOS | Major Global Hub |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport | Abuja, FCT | ABV | Capital City Gateway |
| Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | Kano, Kano | KAN | Northern Regional Hub |
| Port Harcourt International Airport | Omagwa, Rivers | PHC | Oil & Gas Hub |
| Akanu Ibiam International Airport | Enugu, Enugu | ENU | Southeast Gateway |
| Victor Attah International Airport | Uyo, Akwa Ibom | QUO | Newest Int'l Entry (2026) |
Notable Mention: Cargo and Regional International Airports
Beyond the "Big Six," several other airports are designated as international, primarily for cargo, Hajj operations, or seasonal international flights:
Kaduna International Airport (KAD): Often used as an alternative to Abuja.
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW): A major hub for trade in the Southeast.
Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport (SKO): Key for Northern regional flights and Hajj.
Who Manages Nigeria's Airports?
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is the statutory body responsible for managing all commercial airports in the country. FAAN ensures that these facilities meet the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the busiest international airport in Nigeria?
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos remains the busiest, accounting for over 50% of all international air traffic in West Africa.
When did Uyo Airport become an international airport?
The Victor Attah International Airport was granted full international status in January 2026, following the completion of its world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility and new terminal expansion.
