Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) (IATA: LOS, ICAO: DNMM) is an international airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. The airport is a major aviation hub serving the entire state and is also known as Lagos Airport. This facility was initially built during World War II but saw major development in 2023, including a new international terminal adjacent to the old one, lying between the two parallel north/south runways.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Image from Wikimedia Commons
Originally known as Lagos Airport, it was renamed after the military head of state Murtala Muhammed in 1976 following his assassination in a failed coup attempt.
Airport Location and Accessibility
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located in the Ikeja area of Lagos.
- Distance to Downtown: 25 kms or 15.5 Miles
- Estimated Travel Time During Rush-Hour: Usual Rush-hour: 30 mins / Rush Hour - 45-60 mins
- Travel Options: Car, taxi/ride share, car rental
- Number of Airports in the City: One
While there are very nice hotels in the Ikeja area, most business is conducted on Lagos Island, approximately 28 kms / 17 Miles (30-40 minutes) from the airport. Several hotels are located here as well.
Read also: Traveling from Abuja to Lagos
Airlines and Destinations
The airport acts as a hub for a number of airlines: Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Azman Air, Med-View Airline, Air Peace, Dana Air, ValueJet and Ibom Air.
You can fly to Murtala Muhammed International Airport from a variety of destinations, including:
- Abidjan
- Abuja
- Accra
- Addis Ababa
- Akure
- Amsterdam
- Atlanta
- Beirut
- Benin City
- Calabar
- Cairo
- Casablanca
- Dakar-Diass
- Doha
- Douala
- Dubai-International
- Enugu
- Frankfurt
- Freetown
- Ibadan
- Istanbul
- Johannesburg-O.R. Tambo
- Jos
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Kebbi
- Kigali
- Libreville
- Lomé
- London-Heathrow
- Luanda
- Malabo
- Milan-Malpensa
- Monrovia
- Nairobi-Jomo Kenyatta
- New York-JFK
- Owerri
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle
- Port Harcourt-NAF
- Port Harcourt-Omagwa
- Sal
- Sharjah
- Uyo
- Warri
Terminals and Runways
Terminals
Lagos Airport has two terminals, located one kilometer apart:
- MMA1: Run by the government and mostly handles international traffic.
- MMA2: Privately owned and mostly serves domestic traffic.
MMA2 is newly built and provides a spacious and modern environment, whereas the older international terminal is somewhat aged. Both terminals provide eateries shops and several airport lounges.
Runways
- 18R/36L - 3,900m/12,794ft - Asphalt
- 18L/36R - 2,743m/8,999ft - Asphalt
Lagos Airport Nigeria - See inside the Murtala Muhammed Airport in 2023
Facilities and Services
Murtala Muhammed International Airport offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience:
Read also: Lagos Airport: A Historical Overview
- ATMs: Available 24/7, provided by Zenith.
- Baby Care: Washrooms are equipped with baby care facilities.
- Banking: Several banks provide services at the airport.
- Shopping: Duty-free shops are available in the International Terminal, along with a selection of shops for snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
- Eating: A variety of options including fast-food and sit-down restaurants.
- Postal Services: A post office is located in the International Terminal.
- Prayer: Christian and Muslim prayer rooms are available airside.
- Showers: Available in some of the lounges.
- Rest Zones: The airport has a Relaxation Centre on the Food Court Level.
Airport Lounges
The airport features several lounges to enhance your travel experience:
- Lagos Lounge: International Terminal, Landside, paid entry available.
- Gabfol Lounge (for Arik Air Wing):
- Domestic Terminal 1, for qualifying Arik Air passengers (paid entry available).
- International Terminal, for qualifying Arik Air passengers (paid entry available).
- Llegada Arrival Lounge at Lagos Airport: Multiple locations: International Terminal, Landside, Wing D, and International Terminal, Landside, Wing E. Paid entry available.
- Oasis Lounge: International Terminal, Airside, D-Wing, paid entry available.
- Premium Lounge: International Terminal, Airside, E-Wing, paid entry available.
- SDS Lounge: International Terminal, Airside, E-Wing, paid entry available.
- Skyway Premium Lounge: International Terminal, Airside, E-Wing, paid entry available.
- VIP Lounge: Domestic Terminal, Airside, paid entry available.
General Aviation Information
For those utilizing general aviation services, here's some helpful information:
- Approximate Number of Aircraft Accommodated: About 8 mid-sized jets
- Number of GA Ground Handlers: Three
- Ramp Controlled By: Each FBO
- Distance between GA area and main terminal: From 20m-100m (65-328 ft)
- GA permits and slot required: Landing permit only required
- Notice required for permits and slots: 24-72 hrs
- Notes for GA parking: Only Truck fuel is available at GA aprons
Commercial Aviation Information
- Approx. number of aircraft accommodated: 22 on International and 12 at the Domestic Comm aprons
- Number of Commercial ground handlers: Two
- Types of commercial traffic using the airport: Passenger and Cargo
- Commercial permit and slots required: Landing permit only required
- Notice period for commercial slots and permits: One month prior to operations
- Notes for commercial parking: Parking is limited on Comm aprons
Technical Stop Information
Murtala Muhammed International Airport can be a favorable location for technical stops:
- Recommended as tech stop: Yes
- Favorable fuel price: Yes
- Risk of fueling delays: Delays subject to scheduled traffic
- Catering available for loading and offloading for quick turn: Yes
- Passenger and crew access to facilities whilst airside / in transit: Yes
- Notes: Excellent option for a fuel stop and/or layover. Several fuel supplier options are available, all with truck capabilities, reducing the chance of fuel delays.
Customs & Immigration
- Ease of C&I procedures: Yes
- C&I clearance required for techstop: No
- 24/7 C&I officials available: Yes
- C&I can be done at handler/FBO facility: Yes (Execujet and Nestav)
- C&I must be done at main terminal: No
- Least time option: FBO
- Least cost option: FBO
- Recommended as first port of entry: Yes
- Luggage to be kept with passengers for arrival process: No
- Luggage to be kept with passengers for departure process: No
Security Information
The overall assessment of threats in Nigeria is Very High. Petty and violent crime are prevalent and constitute the primary security threat for visitors to Nigeria. The threat of terrorism by both transnational and domestic organizations is a concern throughout Nigeria.
Protests and street demonstrations occur frequently and often turn violent. Strikes are common occurrences and can affect services used by travelers, such as transportation. Militancy is a serious security concern, primarily in the southeastern oil-producing region.
Read also: Flying LAX to Lagos
Maritime piracy incidents off the Nigerian coast in the Gulf of Guinea are increasing in frequency and pose a risk to maritime operators and oil exporters in the region. Sectarian violence is common in Nigeria due to the country's ethnic and religious diversity, as well as economic disparities between various groups. Corruption is rampant in Nigeria and exacerbates security concerns.
Ground Handlers
The following ground handlers operate at Murtala Muhammed International Airport:
- GA Handlers:
- Execujet FBO
- Nestav FBO
- Evergreen Apple FBO
- Commercial Handlers:
- SAHCON
- NAHCO
Getting To and From the Airport
By Car Rental:
The following companies have on-site facilities: Europcar and Hertz
By Taxi:
Taxis can be picked up from the ground transportation area of the airport.
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