Key Highlights
Welcome to your guide to Abidjan Airport! This busy international airport is your main entry point to Ivory Coast. Before you travel, get familiar with these key points:
- Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is the largest airport in Ivory Coast, located just 10 miles (16 km) from Abidjan.
- It serves as the primary hub for the national airline, Air Côte d’Ivoire.
- The Abidjan International Airport connects to destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
- The airport features a single, modernized terminal for easy navigation.
- Ground transportation includes taxis, shuttles, and a future metro line.
Essential Details About Abidjan Airport
Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) is the main and largest airport in Ivory Coast. It plays a crucial role in connecting the region with the rest of the world. As the primary hub for Air Côte d’Ivoire, this international airport has seen significant growth and modernization, handling over 2.3 million passengers in 2023.
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, understanding the layout and key details of the Abidjan Airport will make your journey smoother. Let’s look at the airport’s official name, location, and tips for getting around.
Official Name, Location, and Airport Code
The official name of the Abidjan International Airport is Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, named in honor of the first president of Ivory Coast. You may also hear it referred to as Port Bouët Airport, as it is situated in the Port-Bouët suburb, approximately 10 miles (16 km) southeast of the city of Abidjan.
Knowing the airport codes can be very helpful when booking flights and tracking your journey. The airport is universally identified by its unique IATA and ICAO codes. The most commonly used code that you will see on your boarding pass and luggage tags is ABJ.
For easy reference, here are the official codes for Abidjan Airport. These identifiers are used by airlines, air traffic control, and travel agencies worldwide to manage flights and logistics.
| Code Type | Identifier |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | ABJ |
| ICAO Code | DIAP |
Main Terminals and Navigation Tips
Navigating Abidjan Airport is straightforward thanks to its single-terminal design. The building has undergone extensive renovations to create a modern and user-friendly environment. Though it is one terminal, it is divided into distinct sections for international and domestic flights, making it easy to find your way to the correct gates.
Clear signage in French and English is available throughout the airport to guide you from check-in to your departure gate. You can find airport maps on the official airport website, which can help you locate amenities, lounges, and shops before you even arrive. The compact layout ensures that walking times between security and the gates are manageable.
To make your experience even smoother, here are a few navigation tips:
- Arrive with enough time to navigate check-in and security, especially during peak travel hours.
- The international wing handles flights to Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries.
- The domestic wing manages internal flights within Ivory Coast.
- Departure gates are clearly marked after you pass through the security screening area.
Airlines, Routes, and Destinations
Abidjan Airport is a key aviation hub in West Africa, served by over 20 airlines that connect Ivory Coast to more than 30 destinations. These routes span the African continent, Europe, and the Middle East, offering travelers a wide range of options. You can find live arrival and departure information on the airport’s official website or through your airline’s mobile app.
This robust network of airlines and destinations makes Abidjan a vital connection point for both business and tourism. Let’s explore some of the major carriers and popular routes available from this dynamic airport.
Major International and Domestic Carriers
A diverse mix of airlines operates out of Abidjan, connecting the city to global hubs. The national carrier, Air Côte d’Ivoire, uses the airport as its main base, offering extensive routes across Africa. Are you planning a trip to or from Abidjan? You’ll find many reputable carriers to choose from.
European travelers have several direct flight options. Air France provides a popular and long-standing connection to Paris, while Brussels Airlines links Abidjan with Brussels. Other international airlines like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways connect travelers to major hubs in the Middle East and beyond, expanding travel possibilities to Asia and other parts of the world.
Here are some of the key airlines serving Abidjan:
- Air Côte d’Ivoire: The national airline with a strong regional network.
- Air France: Offers direct flights to Paris, connecting to the rest of Europe and the world.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Connects Abidjan to its hub in Addis Ababa and even to New York.
- Emirates: Provides service to Dubai, linking Africa with the Middle East and Asia.
Popular Routes and Flight Destinations
From Abidjan, you can fly to numerous exciting destinations both within Africa and on other continents. The route between Abidjan and Paris is one of the busiest, with thousands of passengers traveling the nearly 3,000 miles (about 4,800 km) between the two cities each year.
Regionally, flights to other West African capitals are very popular. Daily services connect Abidjan with cities like Accra in Ghana, Cotonou in Benin, and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso. Domestically, Air Côte d’Ivoire operates frequent flights to key cities within Ivory Coast, such as the port city of San Pedro, making internal travel convenient.
Here are some of the most popular routes from Abidjan:
- Paris, France: A major international link with multiple daily flights.
- Accra, Ghana: A short and frequent regional connection.
- Dakar, Senegal: A key route connecting French-speaking West Africa.
- Dubai, UAE: An important hub for connecting flights to Asia and beyond.
Arrivals and Departures: What to Know
The arrivals and departures process at Abidjan Airport is designed to be as efficient as possible. Following significant modernization, the international airport offers a comfortable experience for travelers entering or leaving Ivory Coast. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities and clear signage to help you navigate your journey.
Whether you are arriving for the first time or departing after your trip, knowing what to expect can make the process seamless. The following sections will guide you through customs and baggage claim, ensuring you’re well-prepared.
Customs, Passport Control, and Baggage Claim
Upon arriving at Abidjan Airport on an international flight, you will first proceed to passport control. Here, immigration officers will check your travel documents, including your passport and visa, if required. The airport has dedicated lanes to streamline this process, but it’s always wise to have your documents ready for inspection.
After clearing immigration, you will move on to the baggage claim area. Check the overhead screens to find the correct carousel for your flight. Luggage carts are available to help you transport your bags. Once you have collected your luggage, the final step is to pass through customs, where officials may conduct routine checks.
Here is a simple breakdown of the arrivals process:
- Follow the signs to “Immigration/Passport Control.”
- Have your passport, visa, and any required health forms ready.
- Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
- Exit through the customs checkpoint into the arrivals hall.
Transportation and Getting To/From the Airport
Getting to and from Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to connect you to Abidjan and other areas in Ivory Coast. Located just 10 miles from the city center, the journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, though this can vary depending on traffic. This accessibility makes it convenient for travelers to begin their visit without long delays.
To ensure a smooth transition from the airport to your final destination, you can choose from taxis, ride-hailing services, hotel shuttles, and public transit. For those looking ahead, an exciting development is the construction of the Abidjan Metro, which is expected to serve the airport by 2027, promising a fast and efficient public transit link to the city.
Taxis, Shuttles, and Public Transit Options
When you exit the arrivals hall at Abidjan Airport (DIAP), one of the most common ways to reach the city is by taxi. You will find official orange taxis waiting outside the terminal. For your safety and to ensure a fair price, it is recommended to use these official taxis and agree on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Abidjan and offer another convenient option.
Many hotels in Abidjan provide shuttle services for their guests. It is a good idea to check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer airport transfers, as this can be a hassle-free way to get to your accommodation. These shuttles often have designated pick-up points outside the terminal.
While public buses are available and offer a more economical choice, they can be crowded and may not be ideal if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. Here is a summary of your options:
- Taxis: Official orange taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels offer pre-booked shuttle services.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: A convenient alternative to traditional taxis.
- Public Transit: Public buses connect the airport to various parts of the city.