Lagos Airport

Without doubt the worst airport in the world and I've travelled through more than 100. Dingy gloomy unbearably hot and hours to get through immigration where two bored officials slowly plod through hundreds of arriving passengers. Outside a line of policemen asks for spurious vaccination card checks and expect $10 bribe to let you pass. The car park and pick up area is a third world dusty chaos that takes another hour to navigate. When departing from the airport its the same thing in reverse so leave hours to get your flight.

I travel on a rotational basis so I am in this airport up to 12 times per year. The reputation described by others does exist but there are times it's better than others. The only thing consistent about it is that the routine is always changing when coming through immigration. "Stand here now go over there. Come back here." The immigration officials are either pretty much clueless or they do this for a reason. Luggage can be a painful process but even when I have had a bag not arrive with me (went to Port Harcourt on Lufthansa as part of a continuing leg for that plane) I did eventually get it back. The biggest issue is what you do outside the airport. Nobody helps for free and nobody is friendly for free. When departing if you are early you can go up to Abibi's which is on the 2nd floor and visible from all check in areas. It's expensive though. Going through the process of getting out is hit and miss. The airlines I've flown with have been courteous and professional. Fast tracking through immigration is nothing special. Most of the people working these lines make you glad you are leaving the country.

My first trip to Nigeria was everything I expected. When I landed I had no idea where to go as the signs are not clear. Airport staff are very disorganized they push passengers from one line to the other and then back again. It was very confusing but overall security check was fine. Waiting for the luggage took quite a while and when I tried to get luggage trolley they said you could not pay by card anywhere. On the way out I was stopped by healthcare officers. They checked both my pieces of luggage. When I thought I was done one of the officers said there was a problem with my vaccinations and would not listen to my explanation. My husband was waiting outside and they would not even let him near me saying I would be deported. When I finally managed to get though the last "security check" with the officer simply walked away and left me in the middle of the airport. Good job my husband managed to find me! That was my first trip to otherwise a beautiful country and as I am going back there again this week I do hope my experience will be much better.

Horrible! The worst travel experience ever. 4.5 hours from arriving at the airport to boarding the plane (we almost missed the flight). Bribery will get you ahead of the lines and around the first level of security. Give yourself most of the day to get to the gate. It was horrific.

I disagree with comments that airport officials have improved. There is good customer service from BA etc but immigration and security are exceptionally rude. As a frequent traveller I have much to compare Nigeria with and Lagos is the worst. Abuja is not far behind. The last time I went there immigration insisted that my papers weren’t in order this was a brazen attempt at extortion for a bribe. At Lagos on the way out the security guy threw my shoes on the floor because I had made the mistake of sending them through the x-ray in a tray.

This was a nice surprise. It was easy to get out of the airport. Checking in took some time due to endless checks and re-checks. When they x-rayed our luggage a lady at security control asked for "a gift". That was the only time we were asked for a bribe. The airport itself is not too bad. Limited shops and places to eat but free wifi for 40 minutes.

Transiting through Lagos without a Nigerian visa is a manageable adventure if you know what to do. All passengers are directed to immigration even if you are in transit. Fill out the landing card and when you get to the immigration officer explain that you are transit and have your ticket or itinerary for them to see. They will get an officer to escort you through the airport to the gate. The police are nice enough but this is a hassle for them. If you don't have your boarding pass you need to pick that up along the way. If you have checked luggage you need to pick that up and recheck it unless you know for sure it has been sent onward. It is a whole lot better when you have the ticket and boarding pass before you get there. The biggest surprise to me was that no airlines take credit cards so if you need to purchase an onward ticket you need cash. The Premier Club lounges charge cash as well. Best food is in the cigar bar. Most important tip: have 3 hour layover minimum because they close ticket counters 90 min to 2 hours before flights and staff at counters do not work for airlines but the airport and they are extremely hostile to deal with.

I regularly visit Nigeria and almost always arrive and leave via MMIA in Lagos. Its getting better but its still a bit frantic at times. On arrival ALWAYS ensure someone reliable is meeting you. Never get into a taxi unless you are 100% that it is your driver. You will usually have to wait at least an hour for luggage to arrive. When departing be careful about people 'helping' you; they almost always want some money. The check in lines are usually quite slow. Once through immigration there is an OK cafe on the right but not much else in the whole airport airside.

I used this airport 3 times already this year and never had problems. Staff is nice and helpful. Will be back in Lagos next week and feel home upon arrival.

Officials at Lagos Airport are friendly to people and you dont have to wait for long before you get your baggage. I flew through the airport 2 times in the last 8 months. Abuja airport is much better but Lagos airport is busier than Abuja airport. The country and the people are really not too bad.