Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover, or you are just quickly passing through, this Port Harcourt Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Port Harcourt International Airport (IATA: PHC, ICAO: DNPO) is an international airport serving Port Harcourt, the capital city of the Rivers State in Nigeria.
Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport - including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
PHC Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Port Harcourt Airport.
What to Expect
Port Harcourt Airport has two small terminals: the older Domestic Terminal and the brand-new International Terminal, which opened in the fall of 2018. A new passenger terminal was built at the Port Harcourt international airport to meet the growing passenger traffic. The new passenger terminal building was constructed to offer a hassle-free travel experience. The maximum annual passenger handling capacity of the terminal is seven million. Commissioning ceremony of the passenger terminal building was held in October 2018.
Unfortunately, this airport has a long history of problems: a “terminal” that seems half-building, half-tented area, dirty bathrooms, broken air conditioning, and airport staff reportedly seeking bribes or intentionally delaying security processes. Facilities are non-existent, with a single eatery, so come prepared with snacks and entertainment. Perhaps some of these rampant problems are improving with the new terminal.
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Airport Hours
As of this update, we cannot confirm the airport’s hours of operation. We recommend reading a few reviews before deciding to sleep in the airport overnight. If you know the airport hours, click here to update this airport guide and we will update this airport guide.
Sleeping in Port Harcourt Airport
We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews, but it is not recommended based on the general reviews submitted to the site. Have a backup plan if you’re planning to spend the night. For uninterrupted sleep, a hotel is nearby.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Cots
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The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Overnight Layover | Tips To Sleeping In Airports...Or Not.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Port Harcourt Airport:
- Tiffany Hotels & Towers - No airport shuttle.
- Charleson Luxury Hotel - Airport shuttle is available.
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Port Harcourt, search for deals and read traveller reviews.
Airport Lounges
Airline Lounges
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If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below.
- Air France Lounge - Location: Main Terminal, Airside.
More Airport Information
Facilities and Services
Drinking Water
Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.
Food & Drinks
Information is unavailable. Click here to update this guide.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
Mobile Charging
We had no information about mobile charging availability at the time of this update. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Showers
Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.
WiFi/Internet
As of this update we could not confirm whether internet access is available. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Security & Safety
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. Here are a few tips:
- 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. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself: If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- 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. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- 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.
These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Airlines Serving Port Harcourt Airport
Port Harcourt Airport is served by the following airlines:
- Aero Contractors
- Air France
- Air Peace
- Arik Air
- Cronos Airlines
- Dana Air
- Discovery Air Nigeria
- Lufthansa
- Turkish Airlines
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport
Hotel Shuttles
See also Airport Hotels above.
Airport History
Operations at Port Harcourt International Airport began in the 1980s. On 18 August 2006, the airport was closed for repairs. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority stated that the emergency shutdown was in order to overhaul the runway and build a fence around the facility. Repair work started in January 2007, while re-opening was originally expected to be in August 2007. In June 2007, work was suspended due to safety concerns of the engineers. In December 2007, the airport was reopened to a limited capacity.
Airport Incidents
- On 17 December 1996, an MK Airlines DC-8-55F arriving from Luxembourg struck trees, landed short of the runway and burned.
- On 6 June 2005, an Air France Airbus A330 carrying roughly 200 passengers collided with a herd of cows just after touchdown at Port Harcourt Airport.
- On 10 December 2005, Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crashed at Port Harcourt Airport after flying from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
- In 2023, a Value Jet CRJ900 Bombardier airline slipped off the runaway carrying 62 passengers and five crew members.
We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.
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tags: #Nigeria
