The construction of the Abia State Airport is set to officially begin, with the project’s groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for next week. The airport will feature a runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft and is expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities.
Currently, Abia State in Nigeria does not have an operational airport. The nearest functional airport for residents of Abia is the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, Imo State, which serves as a major hub for air travel in the Southeast region.
Location of Abia State Airport
The Abia State Airport will be located in the Nsulu clan of Isialangwa North Local Government Area, a site that recently received community approval following engagements to address earlier protests. The government has assured compensation for affected residents and highlighted the airport’s potential to enhance development and connectivity in the region
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Other airports in Nigeria
As of 2024, Nigeria has 32 airports. This includes 26 domestic airports and 6 international airports operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The country also has several private and military airstrips.
Major International Airports in Nigeria:
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)
Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)
Port Harcourt International Airport (Rivers State)
Mallam Aminu International Airport (Kaduna)
Akanu Ibiam International Airport (Enugu)
Domestic Airports:
These are spread across various states, serving regional flights. Examples include:
- Sam Mbakwe Airport (Owerri)
- Abubakar III International Airport (Sokoto)
- Yakubu Gowon Airport (Jos)
In addition to FAAN-operated airports, Nigeria has smaller airstrips, private airports, and heliports used for oil and gas operations, agriculture, and logistics.
The Abia State Airport, spearheaded by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the federal government, represents a significant infrastructure milestone for the state.
