Cotonou Airport

Cotonou Airport, officially known as Cardinal Bernardin Gantin International Airport, is the main aerial gateway to Benin. Located in the country's largest city, it welcomes travelers from across Africa and Europe, serving as the starting point for exploring this amazing West African nation. Despite its modest size, the airport is continuously being modernized, striving to meet international standards and ensure comfort for all passengers. Its unique location right on the Atlantic coast offers guests breathtaking views of the Gulf of Guinea upon landing.

Cadjehoun Airport is a compact and functional transport hub. It has everything necessary for travelers: check-in counters, passport control, baggage claim, and customs. For the convenience of passengers preferring enhanced comfort, business lounges and VIP services are available at the airport, including expedited formalities and personal assistant accompaniment. Although the airport is located within a dense urban area, it effectively handles both domestic and international flights, connecting Benin with key cities around the world.

If you need to contact the administration or services of Cotonou International Airport, please use the following current information:

• Official Website: All information regarding flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official portal: www.aeroport-cotonou.com.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, call: +229 21 30 10 01.
• Address: Aéroport International de Cotonou, BP 96, Cotonou, Benin.
• Email: For official inquiries and requests, use email: contact@aeroport-cotonou.com.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official Facebook page: facebook.com/aeroportdecotonou.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative office located at the airport. Their contacts can be found at the information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, consultations, and passenger assistance, you can use the main airport inquiry phone number.

Cotonou Airport (COO) has one major advantage — it is located very close to the city center, practically within its limits. Thanks to this, getting to the terminal from most districts of Cotonou is quick and inexpensive. The trip from central hotels usually takes from 10 to 25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi and Transfer — the most convenient and popular method for tourists. You can hail a car on the street or order one through your hotel. Important note: meters are rarely used in taxis, so be sure to negotiate the fare before the trip begins to avoid misunderstandings. Many hotels also offer a transfer service, which may be slightly more expensive but guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

Moto-taxis (Zémidjans) — this is the most exotic and fastest way to move around the city. Drivers in yellow uniforms can be found on every corner. This is a very cheap option, but it is suitable only for travelers with a light backpack, as carrying a large suitcase on a motorcycle is impossible. Nevertheless, it is a great way to experience the local atmosphere and bypass traffic jams.

If you plan to travel around Benin by car, you can use car rental services. Most rental agencies can deliver the car to your hotel or directly to the airport. Cotonou Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle while waiting for a flight. However, renting a car exclusively for the trip to the airport is not practical due to the short distance.

Unfortunately, there is no regular public transport, such as city buses or metro, connecting the city to the airport in Cotonou. The main modes of transport remain taxis and moto-taxis. Choose your transport depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and desire to immerse yourself in local life.

Cotonou Airport (COO), also known as Cadjehoun Airport, has one passenger terminal that serves both international and domestic flights. Thanks to its compact structure, navigation is intuitive and does not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. There is no need for transfers between terminals, as all services and zones are concentrated in one building.

The terminal building is functionally divided into two main levels. The Departure Zone is located on the upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters, passport control and security checkpoints, as well as a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The Arrival Zone is on the ground floor. After disembarking, passengers proceed to the passport control hall, then to the baggage claim area and customs inspection.

To complete all formalities before departure, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. For international flights, the optimal time is 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. Despite the airport's small size, queues can form at check-in counters and control points during peak hours, so allowing extra time will help avoid unnecessary haste.

Orienting yourself at Cotonou Airport is quite simple. All key areas — check-in, security, baggage claim — are within walking distance of each other. Follow the signs, which are mostly in French but supplemented with intuitive pictograms. The terminal's compactness is its main advantage, allowing you to quickly move between necessary points without using internal transport.

Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO) in Cotonou, officially named after Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, is the main air hub of Benin and has a rich history closely tied to the country's development. Its foundation dates back to the mid-20th century when it was built during the French colonial administration to ensure transport connections between the then Dahomey and the rest of the world. Since its opening, the airport has been a key infrastructure element facilitating economic and cultural ties.

After Benin gained independence in 1960, the airport's role only increased. It became a symbol of sovereignty and the main gateway for diplomatic missions, commercial cargo, and, of course, tourists. Over the decades, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization to meet growing international standards and increase passenger capacity. One of the significant events in its history was the naming after Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, a prominent Beninese religious figure, which highlighted its national significance.

Although the airport cannot boast world-scale records in size or passenger traffic, its main achievement has always been its continuous operation as the primary and, essentially, the only international airport in the country. It has served and continues to serve flights of leading African and European airlines, playing a central role in Benin's economy.

Interesting fact: the uniqueness of Cotonou Airport lies in its location. It is situated virtually in the center of the city, which, on one hand, is very convenient for arriving travelers, but on the other, imposes serious limitations on its further expansion. That is why a project to build a new, more modern airport outside the city has been discussed for many years, opening a new chapter in Benin's aviation history.

Cotonou Airport (COO) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Whether you are arriving, departing, or transferring, you will find amenities here that make your journey more pleasant.

Cafes and refreshment areas are located within the terminal, where you can order local and European dishes, coffee, or soft drinks. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shops, including a Duty Free zone. Here you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, and various other goods at competitive prices.

For passengers who value enhanced comfort, the airport has VIP lounges. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh press, and more comfortable seating for relaxation. Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the airport terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the waiting halls.

Bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs operate in the airport building, allowing you to easily resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. For emergencies, a medical point is available within the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. Mother and child rooms are equipped for travelers with children. Passengers with limited mobility are provided with special assistance during all pre-flight formalities — it is recommended to notify your airline in advance for this service.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels of various price categories are located in its immediate vicinity. Business travelers can use the services of business lounges, which are often equipped with necessary office equipment and provide space for work or meetings.

At Cotonou Airport (COO), you will find several options for a snack or a full meal while waiting for your flight. Although the choice of establishments is not comparable to large international hubs, you can discover local cuisine as well as find familiar European dishes here.

The main dining points are concentrated in the main terminal. After passing passport control (airside), the airport's main restaurant and lounge — Le Hublot — is located in the departure zone. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, coffee, as well as hot meals. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Benin one last time: try fried fish or chicken with rice and vegetable sauce. Also in the departure zone are VIP lounges, such as Salon VIP, where passengers are offered complimentary snacks and beverages in a more comfortable setting.

If you have more time before departure or are in the public area (landside), consider the restaurant L'Escale. It is located next to the terminal building and is popular not only with travelers but also with locals. It offers a wider selection of local and French cuisine in a full-service restaurant atmosphere.

Prices in airport establishments are expectedly higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, especially evening and night flights. Passengers with special dietary needs should be attentive: vegetarian dishes (rice with vegetables) can be found, but options for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be extremely limited. In such cases, it is better to carry necessary snacks with you.

When planning a departure from Cotonou Airport, allow sufficient time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you a buffer in case of queues at registration and security control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option, and print your boarding pass in advance or save it on your mobile device.

The security screening procedure at Cadjehoun Airport is standard, but it is better to prepare all documents in advance: passport, ticket, and visa (if necessary). In carry-on luggage, liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. If you are carrying local delicacies or fragile items as souvenirs, check the transportation rules with your airline.

When choosing a seat on the plane, ask for a window seat to enjoy views of the Atlantic coast during takeoff or landing. If you have a layover in Cotonou, clarify whether you need a transit visa to enter the city. If you remain in the transit zone, several cafes and Duty Free shops are at your service to pass the time while waiting for the next flight.

When going through customs control upon arrival in Benin or departure from the country, be ready to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate — this is a mandatory requirement. Large amounts of foreign currency are subject to declaration. Special permits may be required when exporting art objects or antiques, so keep receipts and consult with the seller when purchasing.

To save money on transport, arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance or use official taxi services at the airport, agreeing on the cost of the trip before getting into the car. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative at the airport. They should provide information on the flight status and, depending on the length of the delay, offer beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation.