# Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV)

> Abuja, NG · 20 km (12 mi) southwest of the city centre

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/abv
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/abv.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: ABV
- **ICAO**: DNAA
- **Timezone**: Africa/Lagos
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 5.5M/yr
- **Hub for**: Air Peace
- **Official site**: https://faan.gov.ng/naia-abuja/

## Overview

## Welcome

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja has seen a remarkable transformation, catching many by surprise with its new amenities and upgrades from the old horror tales. Since the unveiling of the gleaming new international terminal in 2018, which hosts 22 gates and services airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, the airport has become a bit of a business traveler hub. Free, though sometimes unreliable, Wi-Fi and pay-in lounges elevate the experience for frequent flyers. Yet, challenges persist: expect chaotic arrivals and disruptive taxi routines.

## At a glance

Located 20 km southwest of Abuja's city center, the airport handles about 5.5 million passengers annually. It's home to two terminals: the Domestic Terminal (T1) with 22 gates for airlines like Air Peace and Arik Air, and the International Terminal (T2) also with 22 gates. Notably, the airport features several lounges and a mix of dining options but lacks overnight sleeping facilities, a point of frustration for many late-night flyers.

## Terminals & layout

ABV operates with two terminals: T1 primarily handles domestic flights with airlines such as Dana Air, while T2 is focused on international services. Travelers can find the Airspace Lounge on the second floor of T1, offering respite for about USD 19, while T2's Pearl Lounge in Module C serves more premium amenities like showers and meals at around USD 35 when booked online.

## Getting to and from the city

Transport from the airport includes the official Green Taxi service, known for being a safer and regulated option compared to informal touts. A recent addition is the shuttle service to the city center, offering a cheaper alternative and catching the attention of budget travelers. Uber and Bolt are viable rideshare options, taking about 25 minutes to reach the city, though you may encounter surge pricing during peak hours.

## Traveller essentials

Ensure you have cash on hand: ATMs are available but not always reliable. The new park-and-pay system for airport parking costs ₦500 for the first hour and ₦200 for every additional hour. To navigate efficiently, download maps and transport apps before arrival, as Wi-Fi can be inconsistent. Additionally, advance planning for lounge access through Priority Pass or DragonPass can save surprises.

## Dining & shopping highlights

ABV offers 20 eateries, from international chains like KFC and Domino's Pizza to local favorites such as Bukka Restaurant and Taste of China. Don't miss the Coffee Bar for a quick caffeine hit before your flight. For shopping, explore Dufry and Heinemann Duty-Free stores, or dive into local flair at Naija Crafts and Abuja Art Market for unique souvenirs. Multiple telecom shops ensure you're well-connected once you hit Nigerian soil.

## Lounges

The airport boasts nine lounges, notable among them the Pearl Lounge in the International Terminal, heralded for its comprehensive facilities including sleeper beds and showers. Another gem is the Airspace Lounge in the Domestic Terminal, where you can find business essentials like Wi-Fi and workspaces, particularly useful when public areas face A/C or power issues.

## Insider tips

- **Money**: Parking at the airport is cash-heavy and costs ₦500 for the first hour; get dropped off at the curb to avoid paying more.

- **Insider**: The Pearl Lounge in T2 offers showers, beds, and full meals for around USD 35; worth it before an international haul.

- **Time**: Green Taxis are the most straightforward landside option; skip touts and head directly to the signed taxi rank.

- **Quiet**: The Airspace Lounge within the domestic terminal is a business traveler's go-to for a quiet spot, useful when public A/C fails.

- **Avoid**: Don’t plan to sleep overnight at ABV. There are no dedicated rest zones, and seating is unfriendly to sleepers.

- **Local**: Try the shuttle service to the city center mentioned by 2026 vloggers; it's budget-friendly and often overlooked.

- **Time**: Anticipate long security lines during morning and late-evening flights; arrive 2-3 hours early for hassle-free processing.

## Terminals (2)

- **Domestic Terminal** — 22 gates · Air Peace, Arik Air, Dana Air, Overland Airways
  Serves domestic flights within Nigeria.
- **International Terminal** — 22 gates · Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways
  Handles international flights to and from Abuja.

## Dining (20)

- **Brew Cafe**
- **Bukka Restaurant**
- **Cafe Aero**
- **Chicken Republic**
- **Coffee Bar**
- **Cold Stone Creamery**
- **Domino's Pizza**
- **Ground Cafe**
- **KFC**
- **Kilimanjaro**
- **Layover Bistro**
- **Mama Cass**
- **Mr Bigg's**
- **Munchies**
- **Ocean Basket**
- **Paparimz Lounge**
- **Sky Bar**
- **Taste of China**
- **The Club Lounge Bar**
- **The Lounge Restaurant**

## Lounges (9)

- **@9tysix Lounge** — Domestic Terminal, pay-in
- **Airspace Lounge** — Domestic Terminal B · Domestic Terminal, pay-in · $19
- **Business Class Lounge** — International Terminal, airline-invited
- **Gabfol Lounge** — International Terminal · International Terminal, Priority Pass
- **Pearl Lounge** — International Terminal · International Terminal, pay-in · $39
- **SDS Lounge** — International Terminal · International Terminal, pay-in
- **UBA Lounge** — Domestic Terminal, cardholder access
- **Unity Bank Lounge** — Domestic Terminal, cardholder access
- **VIP Lounge** — Domestic Terminal, invitation-only

## Shops (15)

- **Abuja Art Market**
- **Airtel Shop**
- **Dufry Duty Free**
- **Essentials Store**
- **Fashion Hub**
- **Gift Gallery**
- **Glo Shop**
- **Heinemann Duty Free**
- **Hudson News**
- **MTN Shop**
- **Naija Crafts**
- **Perfume Avenue**
- **Pharmacy Plus**
- **Relay**
- **Tech Zone**

## Parking (5)

- **General Car Park** — Short-stay
- **Long Stay Car Park** — Long-stay
- **Overflow Car Park** — Economy parking
- **Staff Car Park** — Staff parking
- **VIP Car Park** — Premium parking

## Ground transport (10)

- **Abuja Airport–City Shuttle** — Minibus service
- **Airport Car Hire** — Private car service · 20-25 km
- **Airport Shuttle** — Bus to city center
- **Bolt** — Rideshare · nearly 25 min · 10-15
- **Charter Transfer Service** — Prebooked car
- **Green Taxi** — Official taxi service
- **Hotel Shuttle Buses** — Hotel transfer
- **Intercity Coach Park** — Intercity bus
- **Metro Line Extension Bus Link** — Feeder bus
- **Uber** — Rideshare

## Insider tips

- _Money_: Parking at the airport is cash-heavy and costs ₦500 for the first hour; get dropped off at the curb to avoid paying more.
- _Insider_: The Pearl Lounge in T2 offers showers, beds, and full meals for around USD 35; worth it before an international haul.
- _Time_: Green Taxis are the most straightforward landside option; skip touts and head directly to the signed taxi rank.
- _Quiet_: The Airspace Lounge within the domestic terminal is a business traveler's go-to for a quiet spot, useful when public A/C fails.
- _Avoid_: Don’t plan to sleep overnight at ABV. There are no dedicated rest zones, and seating is unfriendly to sleepers.
- _Local_: Try the shuttle service to the city center mentioned by 2026 vloggers; it's budget-friendly and often overlooked.
- _Time_: Anticipate long security lines during morning and late-evening flights; arrive 2-3 hours early for hassle-free processing.
