List of Airports in Niger
As of 2024, there are 7 airports throughout the country of Niger according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Niger are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Niger
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Agades Airport | AJY | Agades | Small |
| 2 | Arlit Airport | RLT | Arlit | Small |
| 3 | Birni Nkoni Airport | BKN | Birni Nkoni | Small |
| 4 | Maradi Airport | MFQ | Maradi | Small |
| 5 | Niamey Airport | NIM | Niamey | Medium |
| 6 | Tahoua Airport | THZ | Tahoua | Small |
| 7 | Zinder Airport | ZND | Zinder | Small |
Major Airports in Niger
1. Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM)
Airport Code:
NIM
Time Zone:
West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC +1:00
Address:
Diori Hamani International Airport, Niamey, Niger
Nearby Cities:
- Niamey (0 miles)
- Dosso (84 miles)
- Tillabéri (34 miles)
- Tahoua (132 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air France
- Ethiopian Airlines
- ASKY Airlines
- Air Burkina
- Niger Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Diori Hamani International Airport handles approximately 200,000 to 300,000 passengers annually, with fluctuations depending on regional events and tourism activity.
Airport Location and History
Diori Hamani International Airport (NIM) is the main international gateway to Niger, located in the country’s capital, Niamey. The airport is named after Diori Hamani, Niger’s first president, and serves as the primary air travel hub for the country. Situated approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city center, it is a vital part of Niamey’s infrastructure and contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
The airport was originally established in 1961, and over the decades, it has undergone various expansions to keep pace with growing passenger numbers and cargo traffic. In the early years, the airport was primarily used for regional flights, connecting Niger to neighboring West African countries. With the opening of new international routes, particularly to Europe and the Middle East, the airport’s role as a hub for international travel has increased.
Despite its status as the busiest airport in Niger, Diori Hamani International Airport faces infrastructure challenges due to its relatively small size and limited capacity. The government of Niger has been working on projects to modernize and expand the airport, particularly focusing on increasing terminal capacity and improving services for international travelers. The airport plays a crucial role not only for passenger traffic but also for the import and export of goods, including humanitarian aid and military supplies.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Diori Hamani International Airport features one runway (12/30), which is 3,600 meters (11,811 feet) in length. The runway is capable of handling medium to large aircraft, including wide-body jets like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making it suitable for long-haul flights. While it does not have the capacity to accommodate the largest aircraft, it is capable of handling a range of international and regional flights.
The terminal has a modest capacity with facilities that cater to both domestic and international travelers. These include check-in counters, baggage claim, a small duty-free area, restaurants, and currency exchange services. The airport has limited infrastructure, especially for premium services such as lounges, and passenger flow can be congested during peak hours.
The airport is undergoing some upgrades aimed at improving passenger comfort and increasing its handling capacity. There are also plans to modernize the terminal and enhance its facilities, which include expanding the duty-free shopping area, improving airport security, and adding more amenities for passengers. Ground transportation options include taxis, buses, and private transfers, which connect passengers to Niamey and surrounding areas.
2. Agadez Airport (AJY)
Airport Code:
AJY
Time Zone:
West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC +1:00
Address:
Agadez Airport, Agadez, Niger
Nearby Cities:
- Agadez (0 miles)
- Arlit (125 miles)
- Tazait (200 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Niger
- ASKY Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Agadez Airport serves a relatively low volume of passengers, with annual traffic estimated at 10,000 to 20,000 passengers, primarily for domestic and regional flights.
Airport Location and History
Agadez Airport is located in the northern part of Niger, serving as a critical transportation point for the people of Agadez and the surrounding desert regions. Agadez, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” is a historic city that once served as a major trading post and an important center for trans-Saharan trade routes.
The airport was initially a military airfield used for regional flights and cargo shipments, particularly during the colonial period and in the years following Niger’s independence in 1960. Over time, it developed into a civil airport, handling both domestic flights and regional services to neighboring countries.
Agadez’s strategic location near the Sahara Desert, and its role as a trading center, has made the airport an essential link for travelers and goods moving through the region. The airport serves as a hub for travelers heading into the northern desert regions or for those seeking flights to larger cities like Niamey or destinations in West Africa.
While it does not handle international flights on a regular basis, Agadez Airport is vital for Niger’s regional connectivity and plays an essential role in the northern part of the country’s economy, especially in terms of tourism, mining, and humanitarian efforts.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Agadez Airport has one runway (06/24), which is 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) in length. The runway is suitable for medium-sized regional aircraft, such as the ATR 72 and smaller jets. However, it is not long enough to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft, and this limits its capacity for handling international long-haul flights.
The terminal at Agadez Airport is quite small, with basic services available for passengers, including check-in counters and a waiting area. There are no major shopping facilities or premium services, but there is a small café and vending machines available for travelers. Security services are also basic, as the airport primarily serves local and regional flights.
Ground transportation is available to take passengers to and from the airport, with taxis being the most common mode of transport. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, and most travelers are heading to or from the Saharan regions for tourism or trade purposes. The airport, while small, is crucial for maintaining access to one of Niger’s most remote regions.
3. Zinder Airport (ZND)
Airport Code:
ZND
Time Zone:
West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC +1:00
Address:
Zinder Airport, Zinder, Niger
Nearby Cities:
- Zinder (0 miles)
- Tchirozerine (75 miles)
- Maradi (105 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Niger Airlines
- Air Niger
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Zinder Airport handles 5,000 to 10,000 passengers annually, primarily serving domestic routes within Niger.
Airport Location and History
Zinder Airport is located in the southeastern region of Niger, near the town of Zinder, which is the country’s second-largest city. Zinder historically served as the capital of Niger until the city of Niamey was chosen as the capital in the 1920s. It remains a significant commercial and administrative center.
The airport was established in the 1960s, primarily serving as a local transport hub for the southeastern region. Over time, it has seen limited upgrades, primarily to facilitate domestic flights to Niamey and other cities within Niger. The airport also plays a vital role in the transportation of goods and people to and from the surrounding agricultural and mining areas.
Given its location, Zinder Airport primarily supports business and trade travel to the region, with limited international connectivity. However, the airport plays an essential role in maintaining access to the eastern and southern parts of the country, which are less served by larger airports in Niamey.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Zinder Airport features one runway (12/30), which is 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) long. The runway is adequate for smaller regional aircraft but does not accommodate wide-body jets. It is used primarily for domestic flights, with occasional flights to other regional destinations in West Africa. The airport’s limited capacity means that it handles only a small volume of passengers and cargo.
The terminal is small, with basic services such as check-in counters and baggage handling. There are no major facilities such as duty-free shops or lounges, and passengers typically have to wait in basic waiting areas. Security and airport services are minimal but adequate for the relatively low passenger traffic.
Ground transportation to and from the airport is available, with taxis being the primary mode of transport. The airport’s limited infrastructure means that passengers do not experience significant congestion, but the lack of amenities and limited flight options reflect the airport’s role as a secondary gateway for the southeastern part of Niger.
4. Maradi Airport (MFN)
Airport Code:
MFN
Time Zone:
West Africa Time (WAT) – UTC +1:00
Address:
Maradi Airport, Maradi, Niger
Nearby Cities:
- Maradi (0 miles)
- Tchirozerine (80 miles)
- Zinder (105 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Niger Airlines
- Air Niger
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Maradi Airport handles an estimated 5,000 passengers annually, focusing on domestic flights within Niger.
Airport Location and History
Maradi Airport is located in the southern part of Niger, near the city of Maradi, which is an important trade and agricultural hub. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, providing access to other cities within Niger, such as Niamey, as well as occasional regional flights. Maradi is strategically important for the country’s economy, particularly due to its agricultural significance.
The airport was constructed in the early 1970s and has undergone various upgrades since its establishment to handle growing regional traffic. However, its role in international aviation is limited, as it does not currently accommodate long-haul flights. Maradi’s economy and transportation infrastructure are centered around the agricultural and trade industries, which the airport helps to support.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Maradi Airport features one runway (08/26), which is 1,800 meters (5,906 feet) long. The runway is sufficient for smaller regional aircraft, but it does not have the capacity to handle larger jets or wide-body aircraft. Most flights from Maradi are domestic, with occasional services to neighboring countries.
The terminal is small, with basic passenger services, including check-in counters and waiting areas. There are limited amenities, with no major shopping or dining options available. Ground transportation options include taxis and local transportation services, which are essential for connecting passengers to other parts of the city.
The airport plays an important role in supporting the southern regions of Niger by providing air access for local businesses, particularly those involved in agriculture. Although its capacity is limited, it remains an essential part of the country’s air travel infrastructure.