18 Top Local Airports In Nigeria And Their Locations 

Top Local Airports in Nigeria

Air travel is an essential part of modern life, and Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, has several airports that cater to the needs of its citizens and visitors. Although some of these airports also serve international flights, in this article, we will focus solely on the local airports that support flights within the country. 

Nigeria’s aviation sector has seen significant growth in recent years, and air travel has become a preferred mode of transportation due to its speed and convenience. 

In this article, we will discuss the top local airports in Nigeria, highlighting their features and why they stand out from the rest. So buckle up and let’s take a closer look at Nigeria’s best local airports.

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List of Local Airports in Nigeria

In no particular order, here are the airports in Nigeria that have local operations:

1. Akure Airport

Akure Airport, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, is one of the local airports that is not well-known to many people. Despite this, the airport is functional and serves as the gateway to Ondo state. Although Akure Airport does not fly to many states within the country, there are still a few airlines that operate from the airport, namely AirPeace and Overland Airways. These airlines fly to two major cities in Nigeria, Lagos, and Abuja.

Akure Airport may not be as busy as some of the other airports in the country, but it still plays an important role in connecting the people of Ondo state to other parts of the country. The airport has modern facilities, including a new terminal building that was commissioned in 2020. This new terminal building has improved the passenger experience, making it more comfortable and efficient for travellers.

For those in Ondo state who have engagements in other states within the country, Akure Airport provides a convenient starting point. However, due to the limited destinations served by the airport, travellers may have to connect flights through Lagos or Abuja to reach their final destination. Nevertheless, the presence of Akure Airport has made air travel more accessible and convenient for the people of Ondo state.

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2. Sir Tafawa Balewa Airport 

Located in Bauchi state, Sir Tafawa Balewa Airport is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. It is named after Alhaji Tafawa Balewa Abubakar, Nigeria’s first prime minister, who was killed in one of the military coups that took place in the country. The airport is also known as the Bauchi State Airport.

If you happen to be in Bauchi state and need to travel to Abuja, Sir Tafawa Balewa Airport is a convenient airport to use. Many airlines operate from the airport and offer flights to Abuja, making it a popular route for travellers. The airport also serves as an important transportation hub for the people of Bauchi state and its surrounding areas.

Apart from its transportation significance, Sir Tafawa Balewa Airport is also important because Bauchi state is one of the cotton-producing states in Nigeria. Therefore, the airport serves as an entry point for the transportation of cotton and other agricultural produce from the state to other parts of the country.

Currently, airlines such as Arik Air and Overland Airways operate from the airport, providing travellers with a range of options to choose from. The airport has modern facilities and amenities that make travelling more comfortable and convenient for passengers.

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3. Benin Airport

Benin Airport, located in Edo state, is one of the oldest airports in Nigeria, having been constructed in 1956 and upgraded between 1975 and 1978. Despite its age, the airport has limited coverage in terms of destinations.

Currently, there are only three airlines that operate from Benin Airport: Arik Air, Aero Contractors, and AirPeace. These airlines offer flights to and from Lagos and Abuja, making it a convenient airport for travellers who need to connect to other destinations from these cities.

If you are planning to visit Edo state or are within the state, Benin Airport is the local airport that will serve you. Although the airport has limited coverage, it offers modern facilities and amenities that make travelling comfortable and convenient for passengers.

Benin Airport is also an important airport for the people of Edo state, as it serves as a transportation hub for the state’s agricultural produce, which includes rubber, palm oil, and cocoa. The airport plays a crucial role in the transportation of these products to other parts of the country.

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4. Asaba Airport

Asaba Airport, located in the Delta state capital, is one of the newest airports in Nigeria. Although it was initially planned to be an international airport, the international features and aspects of the airport have not been finalized yet.

Despite this setback, the airport is fully functional and serves as a local airport that provides services to some cities in Nigeria such as Lagos and Abuja. Asaba Airport is an important transportation hub for Delta State, as it offers modern facilities and amenities that make travelling comfortable and convenient for passengers.

At present, there are no shortages of airlines at Asaba Airport. Aero Contractors, AirPeace, and Overland Airways are among the airlines that operate from this local airport in Nigeria. These airlines offer local flights to and from some of the major cities in Nigeria.

While Asaba Airport may not be an international airport yet, there are high hopes that it will be soon. The airport’s strategic location and modern facilities make it an attractive option for airlines looking to expand their routes and provide better services to passengers.

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5. Margaret Ekpo International Airport

Margaret Ekpo International Airport Is another local airport in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, named after Margaret Ekpo, a famous Nigerian women’s rights activist. The airport is officially called the “Calabar International Airport” and is one of the Top Local Airports in Nigeria.

The Calabar International Airport was built in 1948, and although it was initially designed for international operations, it is currently operating locally, serving destinations such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Air Peace and Ibom Air are currently the only airlines that operate from the airport.

Located in Calabar, the airport is an important gateway to the southeastern region of Nigeria, attracting both business and leisure travellers. The airport’s proximity to tourist attractions such as the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Tinapa Business Resort, and several beaches in the state, makes it an essential transport hub for tourists.

The airport’s namesake, Margaret Ekpo, was a Nigerian women’s rights activist, and politician, who played a significant role in the country’s struggle for independence. She was also an advocate for women’s suffrage and empowerment, and her name is forever enshrined in Nigerian history.

6. Gombe International Airport

Gombe International Airport, also known as Gombe Lawanti International Airport or Sani Abacha International Airport, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. This airport is located in Gombe state and has both international and local operations. It was named after the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha.

The airport’s international operations run to places like Saudi Arabia, while locally, it operates flights to Abuja. The airport is serviced by two airlines, Arik Air and Azman Air.

Despite its relatively small size, Gombe International Airport plays a crucial role in the transportation of people and goods in and out of Gombe state. Its strategic location makes it an important hub for both business and leisure travellers.

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7. Kebbi International Airport

Kebbi International Airport, also known as Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. Although it also operates international flights, it is mostly known for its local operations, with regular flights to Lagos and Abuja. Located in the capital of Kebbi state, this airport is a convenient option for travellers within the region. AirPeace and Azman Air are the two airlines that fly in and out of the airport. It is surprising that many people are not aware of this airport despite its importance in connecting Kebbi state with other parts of the country. If you are in Kebbi state and need to travel to Lagos or Abuja, Kebbi International Airport is the local airport to consider.

8. Dutse International Airport

Dutse International Airport, also known as the Jigawa State Airport, is a local airport located in the capital of Jigawa State, Dutse. It is one of the newest airports in Nigeria, commissioned in 2014 by the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. The plan was to provide adequate airports for the northern states of Nigeria and Dutse International Airport was meant to be an international airport. However, since its inception, it has been running local operations.

The airport is served by Overland Airways, and if you are close to this airport, you can be sure to get a flight to Abuja. The airport’s infrastructure includes a terminal building and a runway that is capable of accommodating small to medium-sized aircraft.

The airport’s location makes it a convenient choice for travellers going to Jigawa State or its environs. The airport has played a vital role in the state’s economic growth and development, as it has helped to improve transportation and connectivity in the region.

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9. Ibadan Airport

Ibadan Airport, also known as Alakia Airport, is a local airport serving the city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state in southwestern Nigeria. Established to cater to the growing economy of the city, the airport operates local flights to Abuja and Lagos, two of the most popular destinations in Nigeria.

Although it is not an international airport, it plays a crucial role in facilitating domestic travel for business and leisure purposes. The airport is located approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre and is easily accessible by road.

Arik Air and Overland Airways are the two airlines that operate at the Ibadan airport. These airlines provide passengers with affordable and reliable flight services, making it easier for travellers to move in and out of the city.

Despite its relatively small size and limited operations, the Ibadan airport is an important transportation hub in Nigeria, serving the needs of both residents and visitors alike

10. Jalingo Airport

Jalingo Airport, also known as Danbaba Suntai Airport, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. It is located in Jalingo, the capital city of Taraba State, and was completed in 2014.

Although the airport’s international operations are yet to kick off, it provides a crucial means of transportation for visitors and residents of Taraba state who need to travel to Abuja and other parts of the country. The airport is expected to expand its operations to other states in Nigeria, which will further boost its significance as a local airport.

Currently, Overland Airways airline is the only airline that operates at Jalingo Airport. Passengers can book flights to and from Abuja using this airline. As the airport continues to develop, more airlines may begin to operate at the airport, providing more options for passengers.

Jalingo Airport is a vital transportation hub for Taraba state and an essential contributor to the growth of the state’s economy. With further development and expansion, Jalingo Airport has the potential to become one of the busiest local airports in Nigeria.

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11. Yakubu Gowon Airport

Yakubu Gowon Airport, located in Jos, Plateau state, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. The airport was named after a former Nigerian head of state, Yakubu Gowon, who ruled from 1966 to 1975.

Jos is a city known for its tourist attractions, including beautiful mountains, which make it a desirable destination for many people. The airport provides a convenient means of transportation for those who wish to visit the city from other parts of Nigeria.

Arik Air is the primary airline operating at Yakubu Gowon Airport, providing direct flights from Lagos to Jos. For those in other states who wish to fly to Jos, it is necessary to first travel to Lagos and then take a connecting flight.

With its location in the heart of Plateau state and its modern facilities, Yakubu Gowon Airport is a top choice for both tourists and residents of Jos who require air transportation services.

12. Katsina Airport

Katsina Airport, located in Katsina state, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. As an important transportation hub in northern Nigeria, Katsina Airport serves as a gateway to the state and surrounding areas.

The airport is a relatively small facility, but it provides a valuable service to those who want to travel to Katsina state or other states within the northern region. With Max Air as the only airline operating at the airport, Katsina Airport provides direct flights to two major cities in Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja.

Travelling by air is a faster and more convenient option for those who want to visit Katsina or other destinations in the region. Max Air airline provides regular flights that are affordable and reliable, making Katsina Airport a popular choice for travellers.

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13. Makurdi Airport

Makurdi Airport, located in the capital city of Benue state, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. While it has not been constant due to ongoing reconstruction, it serves as a means of transportation for those looking to experience the rich culture of Benue state.

Travelling by air is often the quickest means of transportation, and Makurdi Airport serves this purpose for those travelling to or from Benue State. The airport has been undergoing reconstruction to improve its facilities, and it is hoped that the reconstruction will be completed soon.

Once the reconstruction is complete, travellers can expect to fly to and from Makurdi Airport with ease. The airport is expected to attract airlines like Arik Air and Overland Airways, which are known to operate at several local airports in Nigeria. This will undoubtedly provide more options for travellers and promote economic growth in the state.

14. Minna Airport

Minna Airport, also known as General Ibrahim Babangida International Airport, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria located in the city of Minna, Niger state’s capital. The airport was commissioned in 1988 and named after the former Nigerian military head of state, Ibrahim Babangida.

The airport serves the people of Niger state and its environs, providing a quick means of transportation by air to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Overland Airways is the airline currently operating at the airport, and it has been providing excellent service to its customers since its establishment.

Minna Airport’s location in the state capital makes it convenient for tourists and newcomers to find their way around the state with ease. The airport’s operations are efficient and reliable, and travellers can be assured of safe and comfortable flights. If you’re planning a trip to Niger state, you can consider flying into Minna Airport for a seamless travel experience.

15. Sam Mbakwe International Airport

Sam Mbakwe International Airport, also known as Imo State Airport, is a local airport located in the southeastern part of Nigeria in Owerri, the capital city of Imo state. The airport is named after Sam Mbakwe, a former governor of the state.

The airport was commissioned in 1994 and is one of the busiest airports in the eastern part of Nigeria. Despite being called an international airport, it only serves domestic flights within Nigeria. The airport has become a crucial transportation hub for those travelling to cities within the southeastern part of Nigeria, including Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.

Sam Mbakwe International Airport operates flights by various Nigerian airlines such as AirPeace , Arik Air , and Dana Air. These airlines offer flights to some of the major cities in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Thus, travellers who have Lagos, Abuja, or Kano as their destinations can take advantage of the flights offered by these airlines at Sam Mbakwe International Airport.

16. Uyo Airport

Uyo Airport, also known as Akwa Ibom Airport, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. Located in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom state, this airport has been operational since 2009. It was renamed after a past governor of the state, Victor Attah, in 2018.

Many airlines operate at this airport, including Ibom Air, a state-owned airline, Dana Air, Aero Contractors, Arik Air , and AirPeace . These airlines fly to major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Abuja. The airport has undergone different construction works to improve its facilities and ensure it is conducive for flying.

Uyo Airport is a vital transportation hub for those visiting Akwa Ibom state. Its strategic location makes it an easy and convenient destination for travellers. The airport has played a crucial role in boosting economic activities in the state by connecting the state to other parts of the country. If you are planning a trip to Akwa Ibom state, Uyo Airport is a great option to consider for your transportation needs.

17. Warri Airport

Warri Airport, also known as Osubi Airstrip, is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. The airport started out as a small airstrip operated by Shell Company and has since undergone upgrades to become a full-fledged airport. It is located in Warri, Delta State, and serves as a gateway to the city and its environs.

Aero Contractors and several other airlines had been operating at the airport before Arik Air joined them. Arik Air , one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, now flies to Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt from the airport.

The airport’s proximity to Warri and its surrounding areas makes it an essential transportation hub for travellers in the region. With the airport’s expansion and the growth of airlines operating at the airport, it has become a significant contributor to the development of Delta State and Nigeria’s aviation industry as a whole.

18. Yola Airport

Yola Airport is one of the top local airports in Nigeria. Located in Yola, the capital city of Adamawa state, this airport has been in operation for a while and is a popular choice for travellers within and around the state.

One of the interesting features of Yola Airport is its provision for night landing, although this is not a common occurrence for local flights. The airport is served by several airlines including Aero Contractors, Max Air, Arik Air , AirPeace , Med-View Airline, and Dornier Aviation Nigeria.

Dornier Aviation Nigeria is a charter airline that takes passengers to destinations such as Maiduguri, while the other airlines have routes that include Lagos, Kano, and Abuja. With its convenient location and a variety of airline options, Yola Airport is a great choice for anyone looking to travel to or from Adamawa state.

Conclusion

Nigeria has numerous local airports scattered across different states, and these airports serve as essential gateways for travellers within and outside the country. From the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to the Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Imo state, the airports cater to the needs of millions of passengers annually. The availability of local airports helps to facilitate easier and faster transportation, making it more convenient for travellers to reach their destinations. The airlines operating at these airports provide regular flights to major cities within Nigeria, making it easy for people to travel to different parts of the country. With the constant growth and improvement of these airports, it is safe to say that the future of air travel in Nigeria looks bright.