Maiduguri International Airport is positioning itself as a major regional aviation hub in Nigeria’s North-East, with strong prospects for both passenger and cargo operations once full international flight services commence.
Terminal Manager, Ibrahim Bello, said the airport’s location gives it a natural advantage to serve neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, reviving historic Trans-Saharan trade routes through modern aviation connectivity.
According to Bello, route analysis conducted over time shows that regional operations from Maiduguri are not only feasible but potentially profitable. He revealed that discussions are ongoing to begin flights linking Maiduguri and N’Djamena, with possible extensions to Kano and even Bangui, Central African Republic.
“Yes, Maiduguri International Airport is more like a hub, and the hub status is very strong,” Bello said. “Once international operations start, we can begin with regional flights to N’Djamena, Cameroon, and Niger, and extend to other international routes.”
He described Maiduguri’s proposed air routes as a modern reincarnation of ancient trade pathways that once connected Nigeria’s northern region with Central Africa by road and camel caravans.
Maiduguri International Airport as a Cargo Gateway
Bello also underscored the airport’s cargo potential, noting that the region already records significant movement of goods such as livestock and agricultural produce. He disclosed that the airport management is engaging with stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Livestock, to formalise cargo operations.
“There is a lot of cargo traffic here, in terms of livestock and foodstuff,” he said. “The trade routes from Maiduguri to N’Djamena, Cameroon, and Niger present huge cargo advantages that can be enhanced.”
The Maiduguri International Airport terminal manager added that discussions with investors are ongoing, facilitated by both Borno and Yobe State governments, to explore opportunities for export logistics and agricultural cargo development.
He said Maiduguri’s geographic reach extends to nearby states such as Yola, Gombe, and Bauchi, all of which have comparative advantages in agriculture and trade, creating a strong base for sustained cargo operations.
The newly upgraded international terminal has significantly improved the airport’s handling capacity, with a passenger holding capacity of 500 persons at once, a notable increase from the previous 300.
Bello said this upgrade means the airport can now accommodate multiple airline operations simultaneously, a key requirement for regional hub functionality.
“If we have more than one airline operating, we don’t have any issue,” he explained. “We can have two or three airlines operating at the same time without constraints in terms of facilities or equipment.”
He added that the airport has a history of supporting multiple scheduled flights daily and is now even better equipped for expanded commercial operations.
In addition to scheduled commercial flights, Maiduguri International Airport also handles several non-scheduled operations, primarily supporting humanitarian missions and relief efforts in the North-East.
Among its regular users are the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS), World Food Programme (WFP), Doctors Without Borders, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Bello said helicopter services are also active, with an average of five helicopter movements daily, reflecting the airport’s growing importance as a logistics hub for both commercial and humanitarian needs.
“We have UNHAS, WFP, and ICRC operating here regularly. In a day, we can record about five helicopter movements,” he said.
With enhanced facilities, a growing route network, and strong government and humanitarian engagement, Maiduguri International Airport is poised to become a strategic connector between Nigeria and Central Africa.
Bello believes the combination of cargo potential, improved passenger handling, and proximity to multiple borders positions Maiduguri as the next big hub for regional aviation growth in Nigeria.
“This is not just about flights,” he concluded. “It’s about reconnecting North-East Nigeria to its trade partners and building economic resilience through air transport.”
