Full List of 6 States in 2026 with International Standard Airports in Nigeria
- Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to grow, with six international airports now serving as the country’s main gateways to the world
- These airports connect different regions of Nigeria to global destinations, supporting trade, travel, and business
- The newest addition, Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, gained full international status in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation expansion
As of March 2026, Nigeria has six primary international airports that serve as the country’s main gateways for scheduled international passenger flights.
While other airports are designated “international” for cargo or seasonal operations, these six remain the most important for global travel, according to Nigeria Housing Market.
Source: Getty Images
Lagos: Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, with the IATA code LOS, is Nigeria’s busiest airport and a major global hub. It accounts for more than half of all international traffic in West Africa.
Abuja: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, FCT, with the IATA code ABV, serves as the capital city gateway. It is central to government, diplomatic, and business travel.
Kano: Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, with the IATA code KAN, is the northern regional hub. It plays a vital role in passenger travel and Hajj operations.
Port Harcourt: Port Harcourt International Airport
Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Rivers, with the IATA code PHC, is the oil and gas aviation hub. It supports international business and passenger travel in the Niger Delta.
Enugu: Akanu Ibiam International Airport
Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, with the IATA code ENU, is the southeast gateway. It connects the region to global destinations and supports trade and travel.
Uyo: Victor Attah International Airport
Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, with the IATA code QUO, is the newest international entry. It was granted full international status in January 2026 after the completion of its new terminal and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
Other International airports in Nigeria
Beyond the Big Six, several airports are designated as international for cargo, Hajj, or seasonal flights. Kaduna International Airport (KAD) is often used as an alternative to Abuja. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW) is a major hub for trade in the southeast. Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport (SKO) is important for northern regional flights and Hajj operations.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) manages all commercial airports in the country. FAAN ensures that facilities meet international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos remains the busiest, handling over 50% of all international traffic in West Africa.
Nigeria’s six primary international airports form the backbone of its aviation network, connecting different regions of the country to the world. With the addition of Victor Attah International Airport, Nigeria continues to expand its international reach and strengthen its aviation infrastructure.
Source: Getty Images
List of 130 Nigerians to be deported from US
Legit.ng earlier reported that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that 130 Nigerians are set to be deported after being convicted of serious crimes.
The individuals have been placed on what the DHS describes as its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register.
Source: Legit.ng
