Airport codes are essential shorthand used by airlines, booking systems, and airports to uniquely identify airports around the world. Understanding these codes can help you navigate your travel documents, flight information, and baggage tags more effectively. This guide explains the different types of airport codes used in Nigeria and provides a reference for the country's major airports.
IATA vs. ICAO Codes: What's the Difference?
There are two main types of airport codes used worldwide:
IATA Codes
- Created by: International Air Transport Association
- Format: Three letters (e.g., LOS, ABV)
- Primary use: Passenger ticketing, baggage handling, commercial purposes
- What you'll see: These are the codes you'll see on your boarding pass, luggage tags, and when booking flights
ICAO Codes
- Created by: International Civil Aviation Organization
- Format: Four letters (e.g., DNMM, DNAA)
- Primary use: Air traffic control, official flight plans, aviation operations
- What you'll see: Used by pilots, air traffic controllers, and in technical aviation contexts
Major Nigerian Airports and Their Codes
| Airport Name | Location | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murtala Muhammed International Airport | Lagos | LOS | DNMM |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport | Abuja | ABV | DNAA |
| Port Harcourt International Airport | Port Harcourt | PHC | DNPO |
| Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport | Kano | KAN | DNKN |
| Akanu Ibiam International Airport | Enugu | ENU | DNEN |
| Margaret Ekpo International Airport | Calabar | CBQ | DNCA |
| Sam Mbakwe Airport | Owerri | QOW | DNIM |
| Kaduna Airport | Kaduna | KAD | DNKA |
Understanding the Logic Behind Airport Codes
IATA Codes in Nigeria
Some Nigerian IATA codes are intuitive, while others seem random. Here's the reasoning behind some of them:
- LOS (Lagos): Derived from "Lagos Old Station" from colonial era
- ABV (Abuja): Derived from the city name ABuja + V
- PHC (Port Harcourt): From Port HarCourt
- KAN (Kano): Direct abbreviation of the city name
- ENU (Enugu): Direct abbreviation of the city name
ICAO Codes in Nigeria
Nigerian ICAO codes follow a more systematic pattern:
- DN: The first two letters indicate Nigeria
- Last two letters: Usually relate to the airport or city name (MM = Murtala Muhammed, AA = Abuja, etc.)
Practical Uses of Airport Codes
- Finding your flight: In airports, flights are displayed by IATA codes (e.g., LOS-ABV)
- Checking luggage tags: Ensure your bags are tagged with the correct destination code
- Booking flights: Search systems typically use IATA codes
- Weather updates: Aviation weather reports use ICAO codes
Conclusion
Understanding airport codes can make your travel experience smoother and help you navigate the complexities of air travel. When booking flights to or from Nigeria, remember that the three-letter IATA codes are what you'll primarily encounter as a passenger. Knowing these codes can help you quickly identify airports on travel documents and make your journey more efficient.