Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport

The Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport (ABJ), named after the first president of Ivory Coast, is not just the air gateway to Abidjan, but also one of the key and most modern aviation hubs in all of West Africa. Located just 16 km southeast of the city's business centre, it serves as the main base for the national carrier, Air Côte d'Ivoire. The airport connects the country with major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, playing a crucial role in the economy and tourism of Ivory Coast.

Abidjan Airport offers travellers a high level of comfort and service. For passenger convenience, there are two terminals, numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange bureaus, and car rental companies. For those who value their time and comfort, VIP lounges and a fast-track service for customs and immigration control are available. Additionally, the airport features free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected. Currently, a new metro line is under construction that will link the airport to the city, making transfers even more convenient in the future.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport.

• Official Website: www.abidjan-aeroport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +225 27 21 75 79 00
• Address: Airport Road, Port-Bouët, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
• Email: info@aeria.ci
• Social Media: You can follow airport updates and news on the official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's support service. For items found within the terminal, you can contact the airport's Lost and Found service via email: objets.trouves@aeria.ci.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries and assistance, you can use the main information desk phone number or write to the general email address.

Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is located in the Port-Bouët district, approximately 16 kilometres southeast of the centre of Abidjan. There are several ways to reach it, depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. On average, a trip from central districts like Plateau or Cocody takes between 30 to 60 minutes, though more time may be required during peak hours due to heavy traffic.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Official orange taxis operate in the city; it is recommended to negotiate the fare with drivers in advance. Additionally, ride-hailing apps like Yango are widely used, offering rides at fixed prices. This is a reliable and relatively quick option, especially if you have a lot of luggage. The cost of a trip from the city centre varies but remains quite reasonable.

Public Transport is represented by SOTRA buses. This is the most budget-friendly option. For example, bus route No. 6 connects the city centre with the district where the airport is located. However, be aware that buses can be overcrowded, and schedules are not always strictly followed. This method is more suitable for experienced travellers travelling light who wish to save money.

Car Rental is a good choice for those planning to travel around Ivory Coast independently. Abidjan Airport hosts representatives of both international and local rental companies. If you are driving to the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, paid parking is available on the premises for short-term or long-term stays.

Many major hotels in Abidjan provide airport transfers for their guests. Please verify this option when booking your accommodation. You can also pre-book a private transfer via online services. This guarantees a meet-and-greet at the airport and a trip at a fixed price, which is particularly convenient after a long flight.

Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport in Abidjan has a simple and clear structure, making navigation quite easy even for first-time visitors. It consists of two main passenger terminals located in close proximity to each other.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the main international terminal, handling the majority of flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. The building is modern and divided into two levels: the departure area is on the upper floor, and the arrival area is on the lower floor. After check-in, passengers proceed through passport control and security screening, entering a spacious waiting area with Duty Free shops, cafes, restaurants, and business lounges. Given that this is the airport's main hub, it can get quite busy.

Terminal 2 (T2), often referred to as the domestic terminal, primarily serves flights within Ivory Coast and some destinations in neighbouring West African countries. It is significantly smaller and simpler in structure than T1. Procedures here are faster, but the selection of services (shops, cafes) is more modest. The terminals are so close that you can easily walk between them in a few minutes by following the signs.

The airport layout is logical, and navigation is facilitated by signs in French and English. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. Upon arrival at Terminal 1, you will pass through passport control, descend to the ground floor for baggage claim, and undergo customs inspection. In the arrivals hall, you will be met by hotel representatives, taxi services, and currency exchange bureaus.

Time Recommendations: For international flights from Terminal 1, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This is usually sufficient to complete check-in, baggage drop, passport control, and security screening without rushing. For domestic flights from Terminal 2, arriving 1.5–2 hours before departure is advisable. During peak hours and the tourist season, it is better to allow extra time for potential queues.

The history of the international airport in Abidjan began in 1951. Initially, it was known as Port-Bouët Airport, named after the district in which it is located. Since its opening, it has played a key role in the transport system of Ivory Coast, providing links with France and neighbouring African countries.

One of the most significant periods in the airport's history is associated with the pan-African airline Air Afrique, for which it served as a main hub. For several decades, Air Afrique was a symbol of cooperation between West and Central African nations. Unfortunately, the airline ceased operations in 2002, which posed a serious challenge for the airport but also stimulated the search for new development paths and the attraction of other carriers.

In 2001, the airport was renamed in honour of the country's first president, receiving its current name — Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport. In subsequent years, a massive modernisation programme began. Significant work was carried out to expand and reconstruct the terminal, runways, and other infrastructure, allowing for increased capacity and raising passenger service levels to modern international standards.

An important achievement in the airport's recent history was receiving certification from the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2015. This event opened the possibility for direct flights between Abidjan and the United States, significantly strengthening its status as one of the leading aviation hubs in West Africa. Today, the airport continues to develop, serving millions of passengers annually and acting as a vital centre for business and tourism in the region.

Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport (ABJ) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for their flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find several restaurants and cafes where you can have a snack or a coffee, as well as shops, including Duty Free, with a selection of souvenirs, local goods, perfumes, and beverages.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features several VIP lounges offering a private atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and other privileges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial services are represented by bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus, allowing you to easily handle monetary matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical point for first aid. Mother and child rooms are available for travellers with children.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance provided upon prior request. If you require a long rest between flights, hotels such as the Radisson Blu Hotel Abidjan Airport and Onomo Hotel Abidjan Airport are located directly near the airport, offering a high level of service.

At Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport (ABJ), travellers can find a variety of establishments to grab a snack before departure or have a full meal. Dining outlets are located both in the public area before passport control (landside) and in the secure departure zone (airside).

In the public area, you will generally find coffee shops and small snack bars. This is a convenient spot for those seeing off or meeting passengers. Here, you can enjoy coffee with fresh pastries at places like the Paul bakery or have a quick sandwich. For a more substantial meal, it is better to proceed to the departure zone.

After passing security control in the departure zone, the selection becomes wider. There are restaurants offering both international and local cuisine, as well as bars and popular fast-food chains. For those who prefer familiar food, there are options like Burger King. If you wish to enjoy Ivorian dishes one last time, look for Poulet Braisé (grilled chicken with a side dish) or Alloco (fried plantains) on the menus of local restaurants.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding Halal dishes is quite easy given the local cultural context. Vegetarians also have access to side dishes made of rice, vegetables, or plantains. However, specialised vegan or gluten-free menus are rare, so we recommend clarifying the ingredients of dishes directly with the restaurant staff.

Food prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. The cost of a full meal in a mid-range restaurant may vary, while a snack at a cafe or fast-food outlet will cost less. Most establishments in the departure zone operate according to the flight schedule, and some key points may be open 24 hours to serve passengers on night and morning flights.

To ensure your journey through Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport goes smoothly, plan your time with a buffer. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours will be sufficient. This allows you to go through all pre-flight procedures without rushing, especially during peak hours. To save time, check in online if possible and save your boarding pass on your phone.

When going through security control, have your passport and boarding pass ready. The procedure is standard: be prepared to remove electronic devices and containers with liquids from your hand luggage. Please be reminded that the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and they must all be packed in a single transparent bag. Always keep valuables, documents, and necessary medication with you in your hand luggage.

Immediately upon arrival in Abidjan, we recommend sorting out connectivity and currency. In the arrivals hall, you can usually find kiosks of local mobile operators (e.g., Orange or MTN) to purchase a SIM card with internet access. It is also worth exchanging a small amount into West African CFA francs (XOF) at the airport for immediate expenses, but keep in mind that the exchange rate in the city might be more favourable.

If you have a layover at this airport, follow the "Transit" or "Connections" signs. It is extremely important to check with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Typically, when flying with the same carrier or alliance, luggage is checked through to the final destination, but it is always better to double-check this information.

Travellers with children should look out for potential special lanes at passport control and security. Do not hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance — they can advise on how to clear formalities faster. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your needs: a window seat offers beautiful views, while an aisle seat provides more freedom of movement.

When passing through customs control in Ivory Coast, be prepared to provide information about the purpose of your visit, and have printed copies of your hotel booking and return tickets with you. If you are bringing in large sums of cash or specific goods, they must be declared. Calm and polite communication with service officials always simplifies the process.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, find your airline representative immediately. They will provide the most up-to-date information and explain your rights regarding food, beverages, or hotel accommodation, depending on the length of the wait. Having travel insurance that covers such risks will be an added advantage.