Calabar Airport

Welcome to the aerial gateway of "The Nation's Paradise" — a title often bestowed upon this picturesque region. Margaret Ekpo International Airport serves as the main starting point for travellers aiming to experience the famous carnival or visit the business hub of Cross River State. Despite its comparatively small size, this aviation hub plays a key role in the transport system, connecting Calabar with the country's largest metropolises and offering tourists their first introduction to the region's hospitality.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Calabar Airport possesses a number of unique traits that distinguish it from other aviation hubs in Nigeria. Primarily, it is one of the few airports on the continent named after a woman — the renowned Nigerian activist and women's rights campaigner Margaret Ekpo. This lends the location a special historical and cultural significance, as highlighted by information displays within the terminal.

The main practical advantage for tourists is its exceptional proximity to the city. The airport is located practically within the city limits of Calabar, and the journey to most hotels or the central market takes mere minutes. This spares travellers from long and tiring transfers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the city's atmosphere immediately.

Furthermore, the airport is renowned for its compactness and safety. Thanks to the simple layout of the single terminal, navigation here is intuitive, and check-in and security procedures are faster and calmer than in the congested hubs of Lagos or Abuja. For many guests, this becomes the ideal start to a journey towards attractions such as the Obudu Mountain Resort or the Tinapa Business Resort.

If you need to contact representatives of Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar (CBQ), please use the following contact information. Please note that the airport is managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), so many contact details may be general for all airports in the country.

• Official Website: Calabar Airport does not have its own separate website. All official information is published on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) portal: faan.gov.ng.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the Calabar Airport information desk. For information, it is recommended to contact your airline or the information counters directly within the terminal building.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
• Email: For general and official inquiries, you can use the FAAN contact email: info@faan.gov.ng.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates regarding airports in Nigeria on the official FAAN social media pages. Separate accounts for Calabar airport are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must appeal exclusively to your airline's representative office. Airport services do not engage in searching for passengers' personal items.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Main support for passengers is provided by airline representatives, as well as staff at the information counters located in the airport terminal.

Getting to Calabar Airport (CBQ) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located very close by. The trip usually takes no more than 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. The most convenient and common method for tourists is to use a taxi service or book a transfer.

Taxi and Transfer: You can hail a car in the city, use official taxi services, or book a vehicle via mobile apps popular in Nigeria. The cost of the trip is low, but it is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance, before starting the journey. Booking a transfer through your hotel is also a reliable option, although it may cost slightly more.

Public Transport: For those seeking the most budget-friendly option, there are local modes of transport — shared taxis and three-wheeled motorcycle taxis known as "Keke Napep". This is an authentic but less comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with large luggage. Note that they do not have fixed routes directly to the terminal, and you may have to walk a short distance. There are no classic city buses, metro, or trains serving Calabar airport.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to travel extensively around the region, you can rent a car. Rental points are available both in the city and at the airport. For those arriving in their own vehicle, there are parking zones for short-term and long-term parking on the airport grounds. However, driving in the city may be unfamiliar for foreigners, so many prefer to rent a car with a local driver.

Calabar Airport (CBQ), also known as Margaret Ekpo International Airport, has a structure that is simple and easy for passengers to understand. It consists of one main terminal which handles both domestic and international flights. Such compactness makes the airport convenient for navigation and saves travellers from the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. Departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are separated to optimise passenger flows. The Departure Zone is located after security checkpoints and includes a small waiting lounge. The Arrival Zone is in another part of the terminal and is equipped with luggage claim belts and customs control counters for international flights.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there are no complex transfers or shuttles, which significantly simplifies the process of connecting flights and orientation. All necessary services — from check-in to boarding — are within walking distance of each other. Signs and indicators will help you orient yourself easily, although getting lost in such a compact building is practically impossible.

The time required to pass through check-in and security procedures is usually less than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even in the event of unforeseen queues. For travellers visiting Nigeria for the first time, Calabar Airport will be a convenient and simple starting point.

Margaret Ekpo International Airport (IATA: CBQ), serving the city of Calabar and Cross River State, has a rich and significant history closely tied to the region's development. The airport was officially commissioned in 1983, replacing an older, less modern airfield. Its creation was an important step in strengthening the economic and tourism appeal of Calabar, which was historically the first capital of Nigeria and a major port centre.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its name. It is named in honour of Margaret Ekpo (1914–2006) — a distinguished Nigerian activist, women's rights campaigner, and political figure. This decision immortalised the memory of her contribution to the social and political development of the country, making the airport one of the few in Nigeria bearing a woman's name. This underscores the cultural significance of the air harbour not only as a transport hub but also as a historical symbol.

Since its opening, the airport has played a key role in supporting major economic projects, such as the Calabar Free Trade Zone and the Tinapa Business Resort. It is also the main aerial gateway for thousands of tourists arriving annually for the famous Calabar Carnival — the largest street festival in Africa. Throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernisation of the terminal and runway to meet modern aviation safety and passenger service standards, supporting domestic flights to major cities such as Lagos and Abuja.

Calabar Airport (CBQ), serving one of the most colourful cities in Nigeria, offers passengers all essential services for a comfortable journey. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can try both local dishes and familiar international snacks. Shops offering souvenirs, travel goods, and fresh press are also available.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features waiting halls and a VIP lounge. This is an excellent place to rest in silence, work, or simply relax before departure. To stay connected, passengers can utilise Wi-Fi access, as well as find special stations for charging mobile phones and other gadgets.

ATMs and currency exchange points are located within the terminal building, allowing financial matters to be resolved conveniently. In case of unforeseen health issues, a medical centre operates on the premises. For passengers travelling with small children, a mother and baby room is equipped where one can care for a child in a calm environment.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, an assistance service can be booked in advance through your airline. For business travellers, business centre services may be available, though their presence and conditions should be verified in advance.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal, numerous hotels to suit any budget are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport and in the city itself. They can be reached by taxi, which is particularly convenient for passengers with early departures or long layovers.

Calabar Airport (CBQ) offers passengers basic but authentic dining options. You will not find large international chains here; however, you can grab a bite at small local cafes and eateries located in the main terminal building. Most establishments are situated in the public area (before security control), but a few points with beverages and snacks may also be available in the departure zone.

For a quick snack before a flight, local appetisers are perfect. Look out for Nigerian meat pies, sweet "puff-puff" doughnuts, or crunchy "chin-chin" biscuits. These are popular and filling options that are convenient to take with you. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, in some cafes you can order classic Nigerian dishes, for example, Jollof rice with chicken or fried plantains.

Choices for passengers with special dietary needs may be limited. Vegetarians should look for rice dishes with vegetable sauce or fried yams and plantains. Regarding Halal food, many establishments in Nigeria adhere to these standards by default, but it is always best to verify on-site. Finding certified gluten-free or vegan dishes will be quite difficult, so it is recommended to carry necessary snacks with you.

The price range at Calabar Airport is generally affordable, especially compared to major international hubs. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last plane leaves. Therefore, if you have a late or night flight, it is better to eat in advance.

To ensure your journey through Calabar Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, make use of these helpful tips. A little preparation will help avoid stress and save time, starting your adventure across Nigeria with positive emotions.

Arrival time at the airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international ones. This time is sufficient to calmly pass through all procedures, even if queues arise.

Check-in and security control. To speed up the process, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. When passing through screening, be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, as well as remove outerwear and belts if required.

Seat selection on the plane. If you wish to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up and stretch easily are important to you, an aisle seat is best. Passengers with children often find the front rows most convenient.

Hand luggage. Be sure to pack documents, money, valuables, gadgets, and necessary medication in your hand luggage. Remember the standard restriction on liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin.

Passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Immediately after landing, find the information board to check the gate number for your next flight.

Customs control. When entering the country, be prepared to present your passport and possibly fill out a customs declaration. Answer officers' questions honestly and declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance to avoid overpaying taxi drivers on the spot. Take an empty water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control. Travelling light will help avoid surcharges for excess baggage.

In case of flight delay. Remain calm and monitor information on the departure boards. Contact your airline representative for current details. In the event of long delays, the airline is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and in some cases, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for forced expenses.