Mallam Aminu International Airport (KAN)
Kano, NG 🇳🇬 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
DNKN
IATA
KAN
Elevation
1562 ft
Region
NG-KN
Local Time
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GPS Code: DNKN
Local Code: Not available
Location: 12.0476° N, 8.52462° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN) presents a mixed bag of experiences for recent travelers. While some appreciate its efficiency in processing and historical significance as a regional hub, there are consistent concerns regarding the modern amenities, retail options, and overall organization within the terminal. It is generally perceived as a functional gateway to Northern Nigeria, though not without its notable drawbacks.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Security and Immigration (at times): Many travelers experience relatively swift processing. Current data indicates average wait times of approximately 16 minutes for check-in, 10 minutes for immigration, and 11 minutes for security checkpoints. Some older reviews also highlight quick passage through immigration and customs, sometimes within 10 minutes.
- Historical Significance and Regional Hub: As Nigeria's oldest airport, it serves as a crucial hub for northern Nigeria, notably for pilgrimage flights and regional connections.
- Diverse Transportation Options: Travelers have access to various transport links, including official airport taxis, ride-hailing services (like Bolt), car rental desks, and public buses connecting to Kano city center.
- Available Parking: Both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available, which are reportedly monitored by security patrols.
Common Complaints
- Limited and Outdated Terminal Facilities: Overall traveler satisfaction with terminal facilities is rated at 53%. While the airport features separate International and Domestic Terminals with check-in counters and waiting lounges, the duty-free shops are currently closed. Facilities in the departure lounge are often described as minimal.
- Poor Food and Retail Services: Traveler satisfaction with food and retail services is notably low, standing at 36%.
- Disorganized Staff and Potential for Harassment: Some travelers have reported experiences with "unorganised staff" and an older review details multiple stops, repeated document checks, and "grilling" questions from officials, suggesting a potential for bribery.
- Lack of Modern Boarding Amenities: The airport lacks air bridge services, meaning passengers typically board and disembark using passenger steps, which can be less convenient.
- Unreliable Wi-Fi: Satisfaction with Wi-Fi access is particularly low, rated by travelers at only 32%.
- Congestion During Peak Seasons: The airport can become quite congested, especially during peak travel periods such as the Hajj, due to the high volume of passengers.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is a pivotal, historic airport for Northern Nigeria, offering a generally functional experience with manageable security and immigration wait times. However, to significantly improve traveler satisfaction, efforts are needed to upgrade its terminal facilities, enhance food and retail options, ensure consistent staff professionalism, and address the lack of modern amenities like air bridges and reliable Wi-Fi.
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Airport Routes
Mallam Aminu International Airport (KAN) offers 19 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Rano Air, Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Kano include Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l, Murtala Mohammed Int'l, Sadiq Abubakar III Int'l, Bole Int'l and Cairo Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Mallam Aminu International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rano Air
RAN
/ R4
|
3 | 200 | 3 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Air Peace
APK
/ P4
|
2 | 91 | 2 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Ethiopian Airlines
ETH
/ ET
|
2 | 88 | 2 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
United Nigeria Airlines
NUA
/ UN
|
2 | 85 | 2 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Aero Contractors
NIG
/ N2
|
2 | 77 | 2 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Egypt Air
MSR
/ MS
|
1 | 57 | 1 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Sky Prime Aviation
SPD
/ UY
|
2 | 40 | 2 | Oct 23, 2025 |
|
ValueJet
FVJ
/ VK
|
1 | 31 | 1 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Saudia
SVA
/ SV
|
1 | 28 | 1 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Qatar Airways
QTR
/ QR
|
1 | 18 | 1 | Jan 29, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
05/23 |
8040 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
06/24 |
10831 ft | 197 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | KANO APP | 124.1 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 123.6 MHz |
| TWR | KANO TWR | 118.1 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the most common and readily available form of transport at the airport. You can find them waiting outside the arrivals terminal. It is standard practice to negotiate and agree on a fare with the driver before the journey begins. Ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber also operate in Kano and can be used for airport pickups.
Rental Cars
Several local car rental companies offer services, which are best arranged in advance to ensure a vehicle is waiting for you. It is a very common and often recommended practice to rent a car with a driver for convenience, security, and ease of navigating the city. Major international rental brands have a limited presence directly at the airport.
Public Transportation
There are no formal public transit options like scheduled city buses, shuttles, or a train system that directly serve Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The primary means of transport for travelers are taxis or pre-booked private cars.