Lagos Airport

The airport itself is ok its when you step outside that's the problem. You are confronted by armed police displaying bully tactics and wanting money. If you dont pay you pushed around and bullied by these men. Dont go if you dont have to. Never have I felt so intimidated in all my life.

Lagos airport is not bad these days. One funny thing is that before it used to be too hot now its too cold. But these days everything is moving so smooth and quick - except for when you get out of the airport. That is when things get horrible.

LOS is surprisingly efficient for what is actually a rather small airport serving a very large city comparable to Chicago in size. Immigration and customs were reasonably fast. My plane had about 140 passengers and we all cleared the two immigration lines (one for Nigerians one for foreigners) in about 15 minutes with no suggestion whatsoever (at least not to me) of the legendary requests by immigration officers for "something for the weekend." (An Air France employee or contractor did ask me for a tip in return for showing me the way to the Business Class check-in line.) For safety (to ensure a reasonably well-maintained vehicle) and reliability it is best to have a driver meet you rather than trying to get into the city center on your own. Departure area amenities are minimal due in part to renovation works. (After renovation is complete LOS might rate three stars.) Security of baggage is a concern at LOS. My driver warned me not to give my bags to anyone except the airlines check-in agent. Even so I checked my bag at the Air France counter for my outbound flight to CDG and did not see it again for 21 days.

I was pleasantly surprised by recent improvements at Lagos Airport. Things work and processes are faster than they used to be and staff are quite friendly. The escalators work - unfortunately one of them empties everyone directly into the customs area so passengers were crashing into each other and falling all over the place. I only had hand luggage so was out of the airport in five minutes; highly recommended if you are arriving at Lagos. Note that each evening four airlines arrive at around the same time; KLM British Airways Air France and I think Lufthansa. The one that arrives first is OK but if you are on the one that arrives last you may well wait 2 hours for your luggage. On departure I spent 30 minutes relaxing in a very quiet cafe airside before going to the gate and boarding. Quite pleasant actually!

I travelled through Lagos this week and avoided the old difficulties of buying Naira banknotes You now don't need to worry about using the money changers as there is a new Travelex Bureau at arrivals where you can buy and sell banknotes at very fair prices.

I arrived in the afternoon from Accra on a Bellview flight from Ghana. Within minutes I was out of the airport no questions asked just a stamp in my passport. I didn't see customs on my arrival. From there a taxi to the domestic airport which is about a 10- minutes drive. Knowing that you are not aware of the prices the drivers will rip you off. The local airport where I took an ADC flight to Calabar was not bad. Nowhere was I confronted with difficult airport staff. The arrival in Calabar was also very smooth ; I got off and walked out. The return journey was also pleasant although a day delayed in Calabar.

I can understand when people say Lagos airport is hell on earth. But they need to take a second look in recent times. The airport has changed considerably. Immigration and customs are now more friendly and most of all the elevators and conveyor belts are now working. This is a huge improvement on what we use to have in the 80's and 90's. I would say that the airport authority should continue to improve their services; and also provide transit facilities for international passengers. This will bring the Lagos airport to meet international standard.

I’ve been through Lagos airport at least once every year and have seen the changes. It’s improved a lot over the year and everytime I continue to go through there I’m sure something else will change. People may refer to it as one of the worst airports in the world or a real nightmare but I see personality and real life.

I dont know which airport that the people who have commented before me went through. However what I can say is that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos Nigeria is a decent airport. I was there last year and as far as the airport itself is concerned it was a comfortable place to be in - central air-conditioning PAS system conveyor belts escalators elevators everything. The airport's toilets were clean too.

Lagos airport is a real nightmare but it use to be worse in the past that is why there're gates blocking the road on both side of the airport when you get out this is only for security reason. Lagos airport is poor because the government is full of escroc Abuja is different because that is where the head of the government is. Lagos could be a beautiful city and people would not need to offer you help against money at the airport if the government was right. Anyway I've been to Lagos a few times to meet my family in law and people are so welcoming in spite of what you see when you arrive in Lagos airport.