Murtala Muhammed International Airport Guide (LOS) – Lagos

Airport Overview

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), named after former Nigerian Head of State Murtala Muhammed, is the busiest airport in Nigeria and West Africa, located approximately 22 km north of Lagos Island's city centre in the Ikeja district. The airport handled over 10 million passengers annually and serves as the primary entry point for Nigeria, the continent's most populous country and largest economy. The airport is hub for Air Peace, the largest Nigerian carrier, and handles numerous international carriers from Europe, the Middle East, and other African countries. A major planned new international airport for Lagos (Lekki) is in development to supplement the existing facility.

Terminals

• Muritala Muhammed Terminal 1 (MMA1 – International): Handles all international arrivals and departures. Airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Air France, and KLM operate from here, along with Air Peace international routes.
• Muritala Muhammed Terminal 2 (MMA2 – Domestic): Modern domestic terminal opened in 2007, handling Air Peace domestic operations, Arik Air, United Nigeria Airlines, and other domestic carriers. Features improved retail and dining compared to the older international facility.

WiFi Availability

Free Wi-Fi is available at LOS in the international terminal (MMA1). Connect to the network "LOS_FreeWiFi" and register via the portal. Speeds can be variable, and connectivity is more reliable in the departures lounge areas. Mobile data (4G/LTE) from Nigerian networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo) is widely available and often faster than the airport Wi-Fi; purchasing a local SIM card on arrival is strongly recommended. No internet restrictions apply in Nigeria.

Transport to City Centre

Bus and BRT Services

The Lagos BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and numerous minibus/danfo services operate from the Ikeja area near the airport. From the airport, a short taxi ride to the nearest BRT corridor (Ikeja Along) provides connections to Lagos Island (Marina, Victoria Island, Lekki) in approximately 60–120 minutes. Fares are NGN 200–500. The traffic situation in Lagos is the defining challenge of all ground transport.

Taxi and Rideshare

Official taxi services are available from the ranks at MMA1 arrivals. Bolt and Uber both operate widely in Lagos and are strongly recommended for safety and transparent pricing. The journey to Victoria Island (the upscale business and hotel district) takes 40–90 minutes and costs NGN 8,000–18,000 (USD 5–11). Traffic on the Lagos expressways can be severe — early morning arrivals enjoy the quickest journeys.

Car Hire

Car hire companies including Hertz, Avis, and local operators have desks in the arrivals hall. Having a local driver or hiring a car with a driver is strongly recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Lagos roads and traffic patterns.

Airport Lounges

LOS has a selection of lounges in MMA1 catering to business class passengers and card members.

• Air Peace Business Lounge (MMA1, International): Air Peace's premium lounge with buffet featuring Nigerian and international dishes, open bar, and comfortable seating for Air Peace business class passengers.
• Emirates Business Class Lounge (MMA1): Dedicated Emirates lounge with premium dining and amenities for Emirates business and first class passengers.
• No. 1 Traveller Lounge (MMA1): Pay-per-use lounge accepting Priority Pass, DragonPass, and direct payment; hot and cold buffet, full bar, showers, and Wi-Fi.
• SAHCO Premier Lounge (MMA1): Available to various premium airline passengers and pay-per-use access for all passengers.

Hotels Near the Airport

The Ikeja district near the airport has numerous hotels, and Lagos's Victoria Island and Lekki have upscale options accessible by road.

• Four Points by Sheraton Lagos (airport area): Approximately 5 km from MMA1 in Ikeja with pool, gym, and multiple restaurants — convenient for early departures.
• Transcorp Hilton Lagos: Located in Victoria Island approximately 30 km from the airport (traffic-dependent timing). Flagship Nigerian luxury hotel with Nile-side restaurants and excellent facilities.
• Eko Hotels & Suites: Major luxury resort complex on Lagos Island (Victoria Island) approximately 35 km from the airport; multiple pools, restaurants, and a beach.
• Lagos Continental Hotel (Ikeja): Approximately 6 km from the airport in the Ikeja GRA, popular with business travellers for its proximity to the airport.
• Protea Hotel by Marriott Lagos Kuramo Waters: Victoria Island beachfront hotel approximately 30–40 km from the airport, offering peaceful beachside accommodation.

Food and Restaurants

Despite LOS's reputation for dated infrastructure, the terminal's dining options have improved and represent Nigerian culinary culture.

• Yellow Chilli Restaurant (MMA1, airside): Nigerian restaurant chain serving jollof rice, pounded yam with egusi soup, suya (spiced grilled meat), and fresh pepper soup — authentic Lagos dining.
• Chicken Republic (MMA1): Popular Nigerian fast-food chain serving fried chicken, rice, and local flavours, a huge favourite with Nigerians.
• Mr. Bigg's (MMA1 and MMA2): Nigeria's oldest homegrown fast-food chain, serving meat pies, doughnuts, fried rice, and chicken.
• Barcelos (MMA2): South African peri-peri chicken chain popular with domestic travellers.
• Starbucks (MMA1 landside): Full Starbucks menu available in the departures check-in area before security.
• Domino's Pizza (MMA2): Popular with domestic travellers for quick pre-flight meals.

Travel Tips

• Most nationalities require a visa to enter Nigeria; ECOWAS citizens can enter visa-free, and a few nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival. Apply for an e-Visa at portal.immigration.gov.ng before travel.
• Lagos traffic is notoriously challenging; always allow a minimum of 3 hours for airport journeys during peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 17:00–21:00), and ideally 4+ hours on Fridays.
• Use Bolt or Uber exclusively for airport transfers; avoid unofficial taxis and street hailing, especially at night.
• Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the local currency; international cards are increasingly accepted in Lagos hotels and restaurants but carry some local currency for taxis and markets.
• Mobile connectivity in Lagos is strong; buying an MTN or Airtel SIM at the airport provides reliable 4G for navigation, rideshare apps, and communication.
• Lagos is Africa's largest city by population and one of its most vibrant; the food scene, music, arts, and beach clubs on Victoria Island and Lekki are world-class.
• Arrive at MMA1 at least 3 hours before international flights; the check-in, security, and immigration process can be lengthy during peak periods.