Abuja Airport Private Jet Guide: NCAA Rules, Visas, Security

One runway for both terminals

The FAAN page on Nnamdi Azikiwe describes it as the country's second busiest airport, with an international terminal and a domestic terminal sharing one runway. FAAN has its head office on the airport grounds, and so does the NCAA. A new terminal building was commissioned on 20 December 2018, with a stated capacity of 15 million passengers a year.

That single runway has closed before. On 8 March 2017, FAAN shut the airport to commercial traffic for at least six weeks to repair it, and Abuja reopened on 18 April 2017; Kaduna had been considered as the fallback. FAAN describes plans for a second runway as being at an advanced stage, without giving a date.

Runway length and detailed opening hours sit in the Nigerian AIP, which NAMA sells to airspace users. The operator checks them in the current edition, and in the day's NOTAMs, before confirming the aircraft and its take-off weight.

The aircraft side: NAMA, the NCAA and the operator itself

NAMA handles online, through registered agents, the aircraft clearance requests for overflight, technical landing or air ambulance flights, at least 24 hours before the day of operation; our article on flying London to Lagos by private jet walks through that process. For a charter, the NCAA adds requirements of its own.

Part 18 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2023) bars a foreign airline from operating passenger charters into and out of Nigeria without a flight clearance from the NCAA, and requires it to work in collaboration with the holder of a Nigerian Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL). Requests are not routed through diplomatic channels unless the flight itself is diplomatic, and the aircraft's entry and departure documents are made out in English. The approval states the dates of arrival and departure and the points of entry and exit; the NCAA notifies the airport's security agencies before the aircraft arrives, and sets a 60-minute target for clearing the aircraft's formalities.

The operator itself comes under Part 10, in force since 17 May 2023. No foreign operator may carry out commercial air transport in Nigeria without NCAA authorisation and the operations specifications that go with it, and the first application has to be filed at least 90 days before operations start. NCAA inspectors may also board the aircraft at any time, without prior notice. Choosing the operator therefore starts with this point, since one that already holds the authorisation avoids the wait.

The passenger side: a visa fixed before departure

A tourist or business visa is compulsory, the France Diplomatie advice updated on 15 September 2026 reminds travellers. From France, the form is completed on the Nigeria Immigration Service portal, printed, then lodged at the Online Integrated Solution (OIS) centre on rue Daru in Paris, where the fees are paid.

On arrival, officers may ask to see every document used to obtain the visa. They may also refuse an extension in the country and any change of visa type once you have entered. The visa is therefore chosen for the whole programme, not just the first meeting.

The UK Foreign Office also notes, as of mid-September 2026, that enhanced Ebola (Bundibugyo virus) screening may be applied to air passengers arriving from East and Central Africa. The online landing card, the e-Visa approval letter and the health declaration are covered in our article on flying Dubai to Lagos by private jet, together with yellow fever.

From terminal to town: a driver you can identify, and cameras away

France Diplomatie places the city of Abuja under heightened vigilance, but advises against travel to the rest of the Federal Capital Territory unless strictly necessary. It asks visitors to be met on arrival, including at the airport, by people they know and can identify, and notes that kidnappings at airports have been reported. The Abuja to Kaduna and Kano highway is listed among the country's most crime-prone roads.

The UK Foreign Office says much the same: whoever collects you must identify themselves properly before you leave the terminal, and photographing government or military buildings, or airports, may lead to arrest. The driver's name and vehicle are therefore confirmed before landing.

Lagos, Kaduna, Kano: the other airports, and what London and Paris advise

FAAN runs five international airports: Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu. Lagos, whose international and cargo terminals open 24 hours a day according to FAAN, lies some 510 km away, about an hour's flight according to our Lagos airport page. France Diplomatie places Lagos State under heightened vigilance.

Kaduna, the fallback considered in 2017, is no longer one for passengers. France Diplomatie advises against all travel to Kaduna State, except the city itself, where travel is advised against unless strictly necessary, and the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the state. Paris also advises against Kano and Port Harcourt, as cities, unless strictly necessary, and places Enugu State in its orange zone. As a diversion, Lagos, an hour away, is the more natural choice.

From London, Paris, Dubai or Douala: distances and aircraft

From Farnborough, the great-circle distance is close to 4,760 km, and 4,470 km from Paris-Le Bourget: allow in the order of 6 hours' flying from London and 5h45 from Paris, depending on the aircraft and the winds. The Challenger 650, good for up to 8 hours without a fuel stop according to our fleet page, keeps a margin that a super midsize such as the Challenger 350, rated at about 6 hours, does not.

From Dubai, the direct line of some 5,390 km crosses Sudan, which EASA recommends not to overfly, so the detour described for Lagos applies here too. Our Dubai private jet charter office, based at Al Maktoum, prepares those departures. To Lagos, Douala (about 620 km) or Accra, a light jet such as the seven-seat Phenom 300 is enough.

Flights to or from Abuja are quoted by the flight hour, with no set fare. The benchmarks are hourly: from €4,000 per hour for a light jet, €5,500 for a super midsize, €6,500 for a heavy jet and €9,000 to €12,000 for an ultra-long-range jet, according to our hourly charter rates. Coordinating NAMA, the NCAA and an authorised operator is where the added value of a charter broker lies.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign airline fly a charter into Abuja without a Nigerian partner?

No, under Part 18 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs 2023). A foreign airline may operate passenger charters into and out of Nigeria only in collaboration with the holder of a Nigerian Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL), and with a flight clearance from the NCAA.

How long does a new operator need to be authorised in Nigeria?

At least 90 days for the first application, under Part 10 of the Nigerian regulations, in force since 17 May 2023. Without NCAA authorisation and operations specifications, a foreign operator carries out no commercial air transport in Nigeria, hence the value of an operator that is already approved.

Can Kaduna serve as a diversion airport for Abuja?

It was considered in 2017, when Abuja's runway closed from 8 March to 18 April. Today France Diplomatie advises against all travel to Kaduna State, the city remaining advised against unless strictly necessary, and the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel there. Lagos, an hour's flight away, is the more direct alternative.

Can I extend a Nigerian visa once I am in Abuja?

Do not count on it. France Diplomatie states that the authorities may refuse to extend visas in the country and refuse any change of visa type after arrival. The tourist or business visa is therefore chosen to cover the full length and purpose of the stay.

 

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the private jet best suited to your itinerary and requirements, and organise your trip to or from your destination. Available 24/7:

• France: +33 1 41 69 88 88
• Switzerland: +41 22 880 28 88
• Dubai: +971 55 303 5161
• Bangkok: +66 92 372 4680
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com