Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (IATA: ABV, ICAO: DNAA) is an international airport serving Abuja, in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is the main airport serving the Nigerian capital city and was named after Nigeria's first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1996). Commonly known as Abuja Airport, it serves as the primary gateway to Nigeria’s capital city.
Situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, it is located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Abuja’s city center. The airport’s address is Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Abuja Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.
Airport Overview
With a single runway, one taxiway, and modern facilities, it accommodates over 3 million passengers annually.
In 2008, it handled 2,746,359 passengers and recorded 46,648 aircraft movements.
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The airport currently has one runway (04/22). The airport’s navigation system features an instrument landing system and a frequency of 111.9MHZ CH56.
Airlines Operating at Abuja Airport
Abuja International Airport serves as a hub for numerous airlines, both domestic and international. In total, over 20 airlines are operating at the airport.
Terminals
The airport has a single runway and two terminals.
For those using the Abuja airport map, the airport’s layout includes a single runway, with the terminal buildings located to the north of the runway. The domestic and international terminals are separate structures, connected by a short walkway.
Here’s a breakdown of the terminals:
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- Terminals A and B: Serve domestic flights. These terminals handle flights from airlines such as Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, connecting Abuja to various cities within Nigeria.
- Terminals C and D: Dedicated to international flights. Airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate from these terminals, offering connections to destinations around the world.
The arrival hall is located on the ground floor of each terminal, where passengers can find baggage claim areas and customs counters for international arrivals.
Runway
The airport currently operates with one runway, which underwent significant refurbishment in 2017 to improve its capacity and safety.
A new runway is being constructed at the airport, which will replace the existing 27-year-old runway at the airport. The construction of the runway will help in making the airport as a hub for the western Africa.
Navigating the Airport
Abuja Airport’s layout is designed for efficiency and ease of navigation.
Throughout the airport, passengers can find ATMs for cash withdrawals and currency exchange services.
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Lounges at Abuja Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja offers several lounges to enhance passenger comfort and convenience.
- Lounge One: Situated airside in the Module B Wing, opposite the Boarding Gate, this lounge operates from 06:30 to 20:00 daily. It provides amenities including TV, refreshments, air conditioning, and flight information displays.
- Airspace Lounge: Found landside on the 1st floor of the Module D Wing, this lounge is open from 07:00 to 20:00 daily (closed on December 25 and January 1).
These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and sometimes additional amenities like shower facilities.
Access to these lounges can be gained through various means, including airline-specific access for first-class and business-class passengers, pay-per-use options, or through lounge membership programs like Priority Pass.
While there are no airline lounges, your airline might have an agreement with one of the lounges at Abuja Airport.
Connectivity
Yes, there is Wi-Fi at Abuja airport. The airport now offers free Wi-Fi service to passengers, having recently implemented complimentary Wi-Fi services for both domestic and international travellers. This allows travellers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
Transportation Options
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja, Nigeria has several transportation options, including the metro, taxis, ride-hailing services, and private transfers. Multiple transportation options connect the airport to the city via the Abuja airport road.
Here are the details:
- Abuja Rail Mass Transit: The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja is now directly connected to the city center via the Abuja Rail Mass Transit system, offering travellers a convenient and efficient transportation option. This railway connection is part of a larger network comprising 12 stations across two lines, with key stops including Abuja Metro, Stadium, Kukwaba I, Kukwaba II, Wupa, Idu, and Bassanjiwa. In an effort to promote public transportation, train access to the airport is currently free until the end of 2024.
- Official Airport Taxis: Official airport taxis are available outside both the domestic and international terminals. Look for the designated taxi stands or counters. It’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Local taxi mafia is efficient and you don’t have to start your trip in the usual Nigerian fashion with a monster argument with the driver about the fare.
- Car Rentals: Several car rental companies operate at Abuja airport, including international brands like Avis and Hertz, as well as local options such as Nairaxi and Kayak.
- Ride-Hailing Services: Ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt, and InDrive operate in Abuja and can be used for airport transfers.
- Shuttle Services: While public bus services to the airport are limited, some shuttle services operate between the airport and major hotels or locations in the city.
Green-coloured official taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.
The airport offers various transportation options, including the airport train station, taxis, ride-hailing services, and car rentals.
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Arrivals Process
The arrivals process at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is designed to efficiently handle both domestic and international passengers.
- After disembarking, follow the marked signs to the baggage claim area.
- For Abuja International Airport arrivals, passengers must proceed through passport control before collecting their baggage. Have your passport and any required visa documentation ready for inspection.
Layovers
For passengers with layovers between flight arrivals Abuja airport, various facilities are available to enhance comfort during your wait. These include lounges, restaurants, and shops.
Hotels Near Abuja Airport
Finding hotels close to Abuja airport that cater to different budgets and preferences is not as difficult as you would have thought.
- The Sami Court Airport Hotel: The Sami Court Airport Hotel, unveiled in 2023, marks a significant milestone as the first-ever hotel in Abuja Airport, as it is located within the main building of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. The Sami Court Hotel, often referred to as the new Abuja Airport Hotel, is strategically positioned to serve travellers with immediate access to the airport terminals.
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abuja: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Abuja Hotel is located near Aso Rock and is 40-minute drive from the Abuja Airport. This hotel offers modern conveniences and easy access to the best restaurants, shops, and capital-area attractions.
- Nordic Hotel Abuja: Nordic Hotel Abuja is an award-winning boutique hotel in Abuja that offers unique rooms and suites in peaceful and pleasant surroundings for both business and leisure travellers.
Sleeping at Abuja Airport
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information to be found regarding the new terminal.
We do not have any recent sleep-related airport reviews. Past reviews describe the terminal as hot, crowded and dirty. Sleeping here is not advised.
For uninterrupted sleep, area hotels offer shuttle service.
As of this update, we could not confirm the airport’s hours of operation. We recommend that you read a few reviews before deciding to sleep in the airport overnight.
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers.
Safety Tips for Sleeping in the Airport
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
- Safety First: It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself: If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security.
- Hide Your Valuables: It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags.
- Stay Alert: It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight.
Additional Services
- ATMs / Cash Machines: ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally.
- SIM Cards: A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards.
Historical Context
Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, has a rich and complex history that spans from ancient times to its modern incarnation as a purpose-built capital.
The land now known as Abuja was originally part of the Hausa kingdom of Zazzau (Zaria).
The decision to relocate Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja was made in 1976 by the military government of Murtala Mohammed. This move was motivated by the need for a more centrally located capital and to alleviate the congestion in Lagos.
On December 12, 1991, Abuja officially became Nigeria’s capital. Since then, the city has seen rapid development, particularly in the areas close to Abuja airport.
Safety in Abuja
Yes, Abuja is generally considered safe for tourists. As the capital city, it has a strong security presence and is well-maintained.
Ongoing Development
A dual carriageway that connects to the airport is also undergoing rehabilitation with an estimated investment of N120m ($795,120).
The first phase of expansion has been completed, with the latest equipment having been installed at the airport. This included the installation of state-of-the-art radar systems, a control tower, hangars and the construction of two terminal buildings. A presidential wing, hangar, guest chalet and lounge were also developed.
The second phase is currently being executed.
The Federal Executive Council awarded a N63.5bn ($421m) contract to Julius Berger for the design and construction of the second runway. Construction will take two years.
Julius Berger was previously awarded the construction contract for the development of taxiways and terminal buildings at the airport in 1993.
Past Incidents
- On October 29, 2006, ADC Airlines Flight 053 crashed into a corn field on takeoff from Abuja.
- On 21 February 2021 a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft B300 King Air 350i crashed shortly after takeoff while attempting to return to the airport.
Conclusion
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) is a crucial gateway to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Located 20 kilometres southwest of the city center, it features multiple terminals for domestic and international flights. Recent improvements include free Wi-Fi and a direct rail link to the city. Efficient arrival processes, including baggage claim and passport control, ensure smooth transitions for passengers. NAIA continues to evolve, supporting Nigeria’s economic development and facilitating travel to the capital.
ABV is the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for Abuja Airport.
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