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Lome Airport

About the Airport

Lome Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Lomé-Tokoin International Airport, named after Gnassingbé Eyadéma (LFW), is not only the main air gateway to Togo but also a key air transport hub for all of West Africa. Located in the country's capital, the city of Lome, it serves as the base airport for ASKY Airlines, a subsidiary of Ethiopian Airlines. With the opening of a modern new terminal in 2016, the airport's capacity has significantly increased, allowing it to strengthen its position as an important transit point connecting Africa, Europe, and other continents.

IATA Code LFW
ICAO Code DXXX
City Lome
Distance to Centre approx. 6 km
Status International, civil, and military
Passengers per Year ~1.5 million (2024)
Popular Airlines ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France
Schedule online board "Lome Airport"

Lomé-Tokoin Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable journey. The transit zone features shops, including duty-free, where you can purchase souvenirs, cosmetics, and fashion goods. Several restaurants and eateries serving local and international cuisine are available for passengers. Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport territory. Furthermore, the airport is a vital hub for ASKY Airlines, ensuring convenient connections to numerous destinations across Africa. Plans for the near future include further terminal expansion and the construction of a hotel for transit passengers, which will further consolidate Lome's status as a leading aviation centre in the region.

Contact Information

To obtain the most up-to-date information regarding flights, services, and regulations at Lome Airport (LFW), it is recommended to use official communication channels.

  • Official Website: Generally, the most complete information can be found on the airport's official website. Visit www.aeroportdelome.com to view flight schedules, the terminal map, and available services.
  • Information Desk Phone: For immediate communication with airport representatives, you may call: +228 22 23 60 60.
  • Airport Address: Aéroport International Gnassingbé Eyadéma, B.P. 10112, Lome, Togo.
  • Email: For written enquiries, you may use the email address: contact@aeroportdelome.com.
  • Social Media: The airport maintains official pages on social networks (such as Facebook), where it publishes news and important announcements for passengers.
  • Lost Luggage Information: In the event of lost or damaged baggage, you should first contact your airline's Lost & Found service, with counters located in the arrivals hall.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and support, you may use the main information desk phone number or the airport's email.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Lomé-Tokoin International Airport (LFW), located just 6 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Lome, is quite simple. The journey time usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. There are several convenient ways to travel from the city to the airport, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxis and Moto-taxis (Zemidjan) are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. Moto-taxis, known as "zemidjans", offer a fast and inexpensive option, especially if you are travelling light. Regular taxis are more comfortable and suitable for journeys with luggage. It is critically important to agree on the fare in advance, as meters are rarely used. A taxi ride will cost approximately 3,000-6,000 CFA francs, while a moto-taxi will cost about 1,500-3,000 CFA francs.

Public Transport in the capital of Togo is mainly represented by minibuses. Although this is the most economical option, it may not be the most convenient for tourists with luggage due to the lack of clear schedules and overcrowding. If you are looking for an authentic experience and speak French, you might try this method, but for a guaranteed and timely arrival at the airport, it is better to choose a taxi.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is available. Both local and international rental companies operate at the airport and in the city. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season. Lomé-Tokoin Airport has parking facilities where you can leave a vehicle for a short or long duration.

Many hotels in Lome offer their guests airport transfers. This is a convenient and reliable option, as the cost is fixed, and the driver will meet you directly in the lobby. Please check the availability and cost of this service when booking your accommodation.

When planning a route through West Africa, it is worth considering other major air hubs in the region. The nearest alternatives are Cotonou Airport (COO) in Benin and Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Ghana. Slightly further away are major hubs such as Murtala Muhammed (LOS) in Nigeria.

Terminals and Map

Lome Airport (LFW), officially known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, represents a modern and convenient gateway to Togo. For passenger convenience, all its infrastructure is concentrated in one main terminal, which serves both international and domestic flights. This saves travellers from the need to move between different buildings and makes navigation as simple as possible.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The building is divided into two main levels: the ground floor is designed for arriving passengers. Here you will find passport control zones upon arrival, baggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the city where you can find taxis or meet your transfer. The upper floor is the departure zone, housing airline check-in counters, security screening points, and passport control leading to the departure lounge with boarding gates.

Since all zones are located within a single building, transitions between them are facilitated by elevators and escalators. Completing all pre-flight formalities typically does not take much time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure of an international flight. This time is usually sufficient for a calm check-in, baggage drop, and security screening, even during peak hours. Thanks to its modern facilities, LFW Airport is not known for long queues.

The main feature of the terminal in Lome is its modernity and compactness. It is difficult to get lost here, and navigation is eased by clear signs in French and English. After passing security control, passengers enter a clean and spacious departure lounge featuring Duty-Free shops, several cafes, and comfortable areas for rest before the flight. The simple and clear structure makes this airport one of the most convenient in West Africa.

Airport History

Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport in Lome (LFW), formerly known as Tokoin Airport, is the main air harbour of Togo. Its history dates back to the colonial era when the first runway was built to serve administrative and military needs. After the country gained independence in 1960, the airport began to gradually develop as a civil facility, playing a key role in establishing international connections for the young state.

A significant stage in the airport's development occurred at the end of the 20th century, when the first major modernisation was carried out and a new terminal was built to meet the growing passenger traffic. An important historical event was the renaming of the airport in 2005 in honour of Gnassingbé Eyadéma, the former president of the country, which highlighted its national importance. This event symbolised a new era in the development of Togo's air gateway.

The most extensive reconstruction in the airport's history was completed in 2016 with the opening of an ultra-modern new terminal. This project, realised with the support of international partners, allowed capacity to increase to 2 million passengers per year. The new terminal is equipped with aerobridges, modern security systems, and comfortable departure lounges, bringing the airport to a new level by African standards. Thanks to this modernisation, Lome Airport has strengthened its status as an important regional hub, becoming the base for the pan-African airline ASKY Airlines.

Interesting fact: Lome Airport is one of the few in West Africa capable of accommodating the largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380. This achievement was made possible thanks to an extended and reinforced runway, making it a strategically important facility for international air transport in the region.

Services and Amenities

Lome Airport (LFW), also known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma Airport, offers passengers a modern and comfortable terminal with a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight pleasant and convenient. Inside, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can taste local Togolese dishes as well as familiar international snacks. Duty-Free shops offer a standard assortment of perfumery, beverages, and tobacco products, while souvenir stalls offer unique handicrafts, fabrics, and other memorable gifts from Togo.

For those who value enhanced comfort, business lounges and VIP lounges operate at the airport. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, and work in peace. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. Numerous power outlets and special stands are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be easily resolved directly within the airport building. At your service are banking branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs available for cash withdrawals. In case of necessity, passengers may visit the medical point for first aid or doctor consultation.

Lome Airport cares for all categories of travellers. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in a calm environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: ramps, specially equipped toilets, and staff assistance during security checks and boarding. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable accommodation and often complimentary transfers. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres equipped with everything necessary for meetings and negotiations may be available in VIP lounges or nearby hotels.

Dining Options

Lome Airport offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal, located both in the public area and in the departure zone after passing security control. Although the selection is not as vast as in mega-hubs, you can find a comfortable place here to refresh yourself before your flight.

The majority of establishments are concentrated in the departure zone (airside). The most well-known spot here is the restaurant L'Escale Gourmande, where you can order full hot meals. for a quicker snack or a cup of coffee, the Aéro-Snack Bar is suitable, offering drinks, pastries, and light bites. In the public zone (landside), the choice is more limited, but there is usually a small cafe where you can have coffee while seeing off or meeting passengers.

This is your last opportunity to taste Togolese cuisine. Look out for hits such as poisson braisé (grilled fish) or chicken with rice and traditional sauces (Halal options are widely available in the region, but please verify with the server). Of course, the menu always includes more familiar international options, such as sandwiches and salads. regarding prices, they are predictably higher than in the city of Lome. Be prepared that a cup of coffee or a soft drink will cost approximately 1,500–2,500 CFA francs, while the cost of a main hot dish in a restaurant varies from 6,000 to 12,000 CFA francs.

Most establishments in the departure zone operate in accordance with the flight schedule, serving passengers of morning and evening departures. Travellers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans) are advised to check for suitable options directly with the restaurant or cafe staff, as a specialised menu may not be available.

Travel Tips

When planning a departure from the airport in Lome, the capital of Togo, it is worth considering a few points to make your journey as comfortable as possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights. This time will be enough to complete all formalities without rushing, even if queues arise.

To save time at check-in, utilise online check-in if your airline provides such a service. Have your passport and boarding pass ready at check-in counters and during security control. Be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in a transparent bag from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Seats by the window offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, whilst seats by the aisle provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you desire quiet, choose seats in the front part of the cabin, away from engines and lavatories.

Rules for carrying hand luggage at Lome Airport are standard. Liquids may be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Please ensure you check with your airline regarding current allowances for the weight and dimensions of hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Lome. Leave sufficient time between flights — no less than two hours, to move calmly through the terminal and catch the next plane, especially if passport control is required.

Passing through customs control usually does not cause difficulties. Keep your passport and a completed migration or customs declaration form handy if required. Answer officers' questions honestly and declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration to avoid fines.

To save time and money, book your transfer from/to the airport in advance. Avoid exchanging large sums of currency at the airport, as the exchange rate here may be less favourable. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security screening.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. If you have travel insurance, contact your insurance company to clarify compensation terms.

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