Lagos Airport
2011 Least Favourite Airport
REGION: AFRICA
Runner-Up
Traveller Comments....
"Travel to and from the airport is usually via high-speed armed police escorted company convoy - but this is normal practice in Nigeria!" - ?
"Nothing compares in filth, insecurity, and lack of facilities to the Muhammed Murtala airport in Lagos, Nigeria" - Sharon
Recent Review
"My wife and I travel though the Lagos airports, both international and domestic, about three times a year. She has been going to Lagos since the mid 90s and tells me things have vastly improved. I found it similar to other African airports. I have never felt in danger once in the airport itself and especially not once into the secure departure areas. The cold Star Beer is great. I have never been asked for a bribe but have had some agents look longingly for tip which I do not mind. Last time through I did even get some hours of sleep but that was in the secure international area as I was waiting for the BA flight back to London and onto the States. I only wish there was some "official" transfers from the domestic side of the airport to the international side. We do pay an off duty Lagos policeman to meet us and get a car to take us from one to the other. Anytime we have had to spend the night in Lagos I think I would rather spend the night at the airport. All in all, I understand things at LOS have gotten a lot better."
The last review for this airport was in 2010. Have you been there recently? Tell us about it!
Lagos Airport Guide
The Lagos Airport has an "interesting" history to say the least. The following is an excerpt from a Wikipedia report about the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
"During the late 1980s and 1990s, the international terminal had a reputation of being a dangerous airport. From 1992 through 2000, the US Federal Aviation Administration posted warning signs in all US international airports advising travelers that security conditions at the Lagos Airport did not meet International Cival Aviation Orgranization minimum standards. In 1993 the FAA suspended air service between Lagos and the United States. During this period, security at the airport continued to be a serious problem. Travelers arriving in Lagos were harassed both inside and outside of the airport terminal by criminals. Airport staff contributed to its reputation. Immigration officers required bribes before stamping passports, while customs agents demanded payment for nonexistent fees. In addition, several jet airplanes were attacked by criminals who stopped planes taxiing to and from the terminal and robbed their cargo holds.
Following the 1999 election, the security situation at LOS began to improve. Airport police instituted a "shoot on sight" policy for anyone found in the secure areas around runways and taxiways, stopping further airplane robberies. Police secured the inside of the terminal and the arrival areas outside. The FAA ended its suspension of direct flights to Nigeria in 2001 in recognition of these security improvements.
Recent years have seen substantial improvements at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Malfunctioning and non-operational infrastructure such as air conditioning and luggage belts have been repaired. The entire airport has been cleaned, and many new restaurants and duty-free stores have opened. "
Airport Lounges
- VIP Lounge - Domestic Terminal, airside
- Club Class Lounge - International Terminal, airside
- SDS Skye Lounge - International Terminal, airside, open 24 hours
- The Oasis Lounge - International Terminal, airside, E-Wing
- British Airways Executive Club Lounge
Airport WiFi / Internet
information not available
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the Lagos Airport does not appeal to you (and we would understand), there is a hotel near the airport....
More Services, Facilities and Things to Do at the Airport
information not available
Airport Hours
unknown
Terminal Quick Tips
- reviews have "improved" in recent years, but let's not get carried away there are still problems
- you may need to pay some bribes
- questionable accusations, murders, robberies, fights, rumours of passengers being mugged on the tarmac
Lagos Travel Sites
- Lagos Hotel Deals - compare rates, check availability and read reviews
>>>Read All Lagos Airport Reviews
Last Updated: 18 Nov 2010
The information in this Airport Guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airport's and their web sites. When you see "information not available" and "unknown", the airport has a lousy web site and/or has been uncooperative in providing information. The information above is subject to change without notice. Use it for informational purposes only to help you during your stay. To report errors, or to add/change any items quoted in the guide, please email me.
