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About Lagos
Touted to be one of the most populous city centres of the Sub-Saharan Africa, Lagos, located on the coasts of Nigeria, is a fasting-growing city in the continent. The city's exquisite resorts, cultural museums, nightlife and boutiques make it one of the most sought-after cities in Nigeria. Not to mention how it also stands tall as the financial capital of the metropolis. The port city of Lagos has turned a new leaf and is quite the thriving city with impeccable contribution to the economy of Nigeria.
Best time to visit Lagos
Thanks to Lagos' proximity to the equator, the climate is hot and wet most of the year. The air is always hot and humid, which makes it quite unfavourable for travelling. However, there are some seasons or rather months in the city when the sun and humidity are relatively bearable and ideal for tourism. The peak travel and offseason are perfectly segregated into two halves. The six months from October to April are dry with winters taking over from December to February. The remaining months see wet and humid weather. The beginning of the dry season is called Harmattan in Nigeria. During this season, the weather is extremely tourist-friendly and amiable. The beaches are exceptionally beautiful as the dry season kicks in. December to February easily become the best months to visit the city. However, you should ensure that if you do opt for one of the months from the dry season, you should carry clothes accordingly. The dry season can get a little hot too. Light clothing is the best thing you can opt for when in Lagos. Plus, carrying a bottle of water is also quite essential. More than one, if needed.
Summer and monsoon months are quite unfavourable for travelling. The city is soaked wet with extreme possibilities of floods and other such conundrums. Not to mention how the damp and humid weather only adds to creepy crawlers in the environment. It would be quite risky to travel to the city during the monsoon. The hotel prices are cheap in Lagos during monsoon for this very reason. As it is an offseason, the hotel prices are slashed, and it becomes easier to make reservations. However, it is not advisable to plan a trip around this time just to make some savings in the hotel booking. Instead, opt for one of the dry months which are close to the winter season. The city would be pleasant, and tourist activities would be compelling, without any trouble.
Places to visit in Lagos
Lagos has quite a handful of tourist attractions worth visiting. The Tafawa Balewa Square is one such location that boasts historical significance and plays a memorial to victims of the two world wars. The area also hosts events, concerts and plays the role of a racecourse. You should also visit the Teslim Balogun Stadium, which is the country's national stadium. The place is known for its exceptional sporting facilities and also witnesses some exquisite festivals and events, including football matches, both local and international. The Nigerian National Museum is another attraction that would pique your interest. With archaeological relics from the Nigerian history and ethnographic artworks on display, the place is perfect to learn more about the country's ancient history and culture. Lekki Conservation Centre is acclaimed to be an urban park which boasts lush landscapes, wildlife and a perfect getaway for recreational activities. Lagos' Freedom Park is a place you should definitely visit as it exhibits the creative expression of art and culture of the country.
Things to do in Lagos
To indulge in some more of the vibrant African music culture, you can check out the New Afrikan Shrine. Its compelling and engaging music would have quite an effect on you. Not to mention how the lively atmosphere would be an experience of a lifetime. You can also visit the Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens to relish the green expanses and lawns that the park has to offer. It is perfect for photography and picnics. Do not miss out some of their beaches and lagoons that touch the city. With the dry and hot weather, the beaches would be a good escape. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort would be a nice place to relax and unwind. Hi Impact Planet is also a good place where you can engage in some recreational activities. The amusement park has some fun rides that would elevate your spirits and make you quite happy. To catch some Nigerian movies, you can watch a show at the Silverbird Galleria.
Food and restaurants in Lagos
Lagos is recognised as one of the most populous and culturally eclectic cities in Nigeria. In fact, it is also revered for its cultural stance in the whole of Africa. The city does have a Western air with more emphasis on global music, art and culinary spheres. With such artistic and cultural heritage that Lagos boasts, the food culture is a reflection of the same. You will find not just African and Lagos- specific dishes but an array of fusion food from around the world. Villa Medici is one such place that brims French flavours and adds more panache to it. Some of the highlights that the French cuisine is known for, including frogs' legs and escargot a la bourguignonne, can be found here in this food establishment. Order some fine wine and cocktails to go with the food, and you'll have quite a good time here. Métisse is another recognised restaurant in the city that raves Asian and fusion cuisine. With a nautical decor of the place, the restaurant offers a platter of not just Asian dishes but also Lagos's traditional taste. The place also hosts live music to make the dining experience rich.
While fusion food is something you'll find aplenty in Lagos. However, to get the authentic Nigerian food, you have Terra Kulture, a good establishment predominantly known for its exquisite take on Nigerian cuisine. Indulge in the gastronomical delights of authentic Nigerian food at Terra Kulture. Taste their ofada rice, boiled yam, plantain and catfish. The setting of the place is also quite awesome with Nigerian art exhibited on the walls for customers to relish, aside from their food. The Jazzhole is an interesting and iconic record shop, book shop and a cafe. Basically, it is a quaint cafe nestled in the internal routes of Ikoyi in Lagos. The place is untouched and perfect as it sees less crowd and more peace. Plus, the soothing jazz music with soulful performances goes perfectly well for high tea and books. You can also visit the Eko Sky Restaurant and Lounge to receive the best view of the city and astounding food and drinks. It is away from the city's hustle-bustle and has a very tranquil environment that would go down perfectly well with the food and drinks that they serve.
How to reach Lagos
Flight connectivity to Lagos from India is quite decent. There are no direct flights that connect to Lagos from India, but there are enough connecting flights from Cairo and Addis Ababa. The demand for Lagos from India is not a lot, due to which even the number of flights is limited. However, there are various international routes connected to Lagos which have immaculate connectivity. Airlines such as EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, RwandAir, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, SpiceJet, Emirates, Lufthansa, Swiss, Etihad Airways, to name a few, have flights flying in and out of Lagos. There are various international routes that connect to Lagos from Middle-East to European to even Atlantic. However, there are countless layovers and long durations that make only a handful ideal to pick from. From India, the most popular routes to Lagos are from Addis Ababa, Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul. These cities have direct flights heading to Lagos and have fewer hours of layovers too. There are flight options connecting from European cities such as Frankfurt and Zurich too. However, these cities have multiple layovers and connecting flights, making it a cumbersome ordeal.
Not to mention how you will require a transit visa to board connecting flights from these cities to Lagos. EgyptAir, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines offer the best ticket prices to Lagos as well as decent flight duration. The approximate flight duration from India to Lagos is 12 hours and fifty minutes. The flight tickets to Lagos are a little expensive. It would cost you just as much to reach a European country as much it would be for a trip to Lagos. The best thing to do to snag inexpensive tickets would be searching for excessive flight deals online to get a good price for a flight ticket to Lagos. There are always countless deals and offers on the web. You could probably use this time to invest in miles or make use of the already-existing miles to fund the trip. While you're booking your flight tickets to Lagos, also opt to make hotel reservations in the city. The prices of hotels in Lagos could also vary depending on which season you pick for your trip. It would be best to look for combo deals online where your flight and hotel reservations are made for a cheap and affordable rate.
About Accra
Accra is the capital of Ghana and is one of the liveliest cities in Africa. It's a wonderful blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Accra is also one of the wealthier cities in Africa and has a rich history. The fact that it is so close to the sea is what attracts tourists to the city. Accra is known for its never-ending party parade. The locals don't need a reason to celebrate and start partying from Wednesday through Sunday. You can head to Labadi beach in the middle of the week, and you'll see the locals partying. The loud music, the party atmosphere, the flowing drinks and the hangover that follows the next day is a normal thing for the people here. The city has a lot of open-air venues and amphitheatres where they host live music. The groove never ends in this city. Not just musicians but you will also find a lot of artists in Accra. You can also check the artworks and the various art galleries in the city. You can head up to Aburi Hills if you want a break from the city and turn it into an adventure. Accra is full of surprises and one of the most underrated destinations for an adventurous holiday.
Best Time to Visit Accra
January to May is the high tourist season in Accra. The temperature averages to 28 degree Celsius making it the best time to hit the beach. Though the weather is moderately humid, it doesn't stop you from pursuing any outdoor activities. Make sure you book your hotel in Accra for several weeks in advance because the hotels will not get packed but also increase their rates. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Accra well in advance before the prices increase. Since this is a high tourist season, the party scenes will only get more exciting. You will, however, have to make sure that you are using your sunblock regularly and drink lots of water. You will find yourself attending a lot of beach parties during this season. You might also have to wait in queues at certain major tourist attractions owing to the increase in tourists.
You can also visit the city from June to September. The temperature ranges from 21 to 32 degree Celsius, and it's quite humid, but it still won't stop you from stepping out and exploring the city. The hotel prices and flight fares might drop since this season doesn't have a lot of tourists holidaying in the city. You will get great flight deals to Accra online if you decide to travel to the city during this time of the year.
October to December is also considered to be a great time to head to Accra. The temperature reaches a maximum of 32 degree Celsius, and it does get pretty hot, but it is also a decent time to hit the beach, or you can chill by the pool in your hotel. You might get cheap flight tickets to Accra during these months since only fewer tourists are seen holidaying here during these months. Since the city is known for its vibrant party scenes, you know that you will have a great time at the New Year's parties here. You can pick from nightclubs or beach parties or both. Put on your fanciest outfit and get your groove on.
Places to Visit in Accra
Jamestown Lighthouse is one of the oldest structures in Accra and offers you a magnificent view of the city from up top. Artists Alliance Gallery is an art gallery that you wouldn't want to miss. You will find the quirkiest artworks and exhibitions. Nubuke Foundation is another place to head to if you want to witness and appreciate good artwork. Fantasy Coffins is one of the unique coffin makers in the world. The coffin can come in any form that the customer wants, and it is worth it. Labadi beach is a popular beach in the city that is known for throwing the craziest beach parties, and you will absolutely love spending an evening here. +233 Jazz Bar and Grill is a nightclub that you can go to if outdoor parties are not your cup of tea. This is also one of the oldest music venues in Accra. If you want to have some casual lunch, shop at the fanciest places and then enter a premier nightclub to the wee hours, ICON House is the place for you. You can shop at La Maison, have lunch at Coco Lounge and head to Carbon, one of Accra's premium nightclubs.
Don't feel like doing anything crazy today? You can just go for a walk at the Aburi Botanical Garden. Accra also has quite a lot of other extracurricular activities for tourists, and You can also go horseback riding, play rugby, surf, etc. The city has something in store for all kinds of tourists. You might even make a few friends before you leave the city. You can also check out the package tours that are available with your tour guide. It is best to hire a guide to explore the city so you know the history of Accra and you might even meet new people if it is a guided tour. You can also go on a shopping spree at the local markets here. You will definitely need help with the bags because you will end up purchasing a lot of things at a minimal price. Whether it is souvenirs or clothes or jewellery, you will find everything that you need here.
Things to do in Accra
If you love parties, Accra is the right place for you. The locals start partying Wednesday onwards and keep at it till Sunday. Well, you don't have to party for four days straight if you don't want to, but it is an experience of a lifetime. You can also sign up for a guided sightseeing tour of the city and cover the major attractions. If you don't feel like going sightseeing, you can always hit the beach and just relax there. The beaches in Accra also offer a variety of water activities for you to try, like surfing, boating and so on. You can also go horseback riding if you want to. If you are in the city during a football match league, you are in for a treat. The locals cheer for their favourite teams quite fiercely. You can just go to a sports bar and cheer for whatever team you like with a pint of beer. You will definitely make a lot of friends this way unless you are cheering for the opposite team.
Foods and Restaurants in Accra
Accra, or Ghana for that matter, is not particularly known for its cuisine. Still, you will find a variety of cuisines from all over the world being served at restaurants here. Bread & Wine is an expensive place in Accra but is completely worth all the money spent. It is a perfect restaurant for celebratory meals or a romantic date or a far romantic proposal. The restaurant serves authentic French cuisines that come with an excellent selection of Wine. You can pack some desert and take it home as the restaurant also has its own bakery. Most customers prefer outdoor terrace seating. Kaya Energy Bar and Design is a unique restaurant that creates dishes and drinks using raw ingredients. They believe that food must be enjoyed raw, so you don't lose any of the nutrients in the cooking process. This is the best place to go to if you are health conscious. Craving for some sushi? Head over to Santoku. You can also tie the restaurant's signature dish, pan-fried scallops with foie gras and orange tobiko. You can also opt for the teriyaki pork belly with ginger ponzu aubergine.
Buka is an African restaurant that serves fusion dishes from Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. It would be best if you tried the fresh fish soup, grilled guinea fowl and jollof rice here. You can also try La Chaumiere, a bistro that specialises in French cuisine. You will find vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, too. You must order the French onion soup and Nicoise salad here.
How to reach Accra
Kotoka International Airport is the international airport that functions from Accra. The flight connectivity to Accra from India is quite good. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airline have more frequent flights to Accra than any other airline, with layovers at Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dubai. Look out for exciting flight deals to Accra online, especially if you are travelling during peak season. You will get cheap flight tickets to Accra during the offseason since the demand is low. The airport has quite a lot of facilities for passengers like several ATMs, information desk, lounges, WiFi, bars, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental services and so on. Getting a cab to your hotel from the airport is not a huge task, and even the airport staff offers to book one for you.
About Air France
Air France, popularly stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the flag carrier of France and has its headquarters in Tremblay-en-France. The airline also has a subsidiary which is a merger between Air France-KLM Group. The airline is one of the founding members of SkyTeam, one of the top global airline alliances. Air France serves about 36 destinations in its domestic routes and also caters to about 175 cities in the international routes. This further includes the 93 French-administered overseas territories of France. In 2019, the airline recorded to carry 46,803,000 passengers. Charles de Gaulle Airport along with Orly Airport is the primary hubs of Air France. The corporate headquarters of the airline was previously located in Montparnasse. However, it has been relocated to be on the grounds of Charles de Gaulle Airport, situated in the north of the city Paris. Air France came into existence in 1933 following a merger of Air Union, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne, Air Orient, Compagnie Générale Aéropostale and Société Générale de Transport Aérien took place.
The airline played a significant role during the Cold War between 1950 to 1990 as one of the main three Allied airlines. It operated from Germany's Tempelhof and Tegel airports. Air France acquired operations of France's domestic carrier Air Inter and Union de Transports Aériens, international rival UTA. In 2003, the airlines had a merger with KLM, after seven decades of being the primary carrier of France. Air France also has offices in various other international cities such as in Midtown Manhattan, New York City as well as in Plesman House in Hatton Cross. Air France primarily adopted a seahorse logo from its predecessor, Air Orient. The logo is known as hippocampe ailé, also called la crevette or popularly referred to as shrimp by the employees. In the past, before Air France and KLM merged, the hippocampe ailé was on the nose section of the aircraft, painted right next to the Air France title. However, the logo was substituted following the merger and put to the engine nacelles.
Currently, Air France's livery comprises of white fuselage with the blue Air France title as well as design. It follows a Eurowhite scheme with its tail being white with parallel red and blue lines. The same is painted on the tail at a certain angle, to represent a small European flag. The livery has been used since the 1970s and has Air France painted on the fuselage, written in blue.
Fleet size of Air France
Presently, Air France operates a whopping fleet of 216 aircraft. The airline's narrow-body fleet has all the four Airbus A320 variants while its long-haul operations are only served by Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A330 and A350 XWB wide-body aircraft. The airline has a 100 per cent Airbus-Boeing fleet, for better productivity.
Wide-body fleet - In 2011, Air France-KLM made an announcement that they have ordered for 50 Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s that would be operated by both the airlines. The two airlines have a commitment for Boeing 787s out of which, 25 are direct, and 12 are leased. The first Boeing 787-9 to enter operations for KLM took place in 2015 while in 2017, Air France received its first Boeing 787-9. The two airlines also have orders for 28 A350s to join their fleet. Much recently, the group announced a revision in the original order, making Air France as the sole operator of Airbus A350. At the same time, KLM became the only airline operating Boeing 787s, including the six aircraft that were initially earmarked for Air France.
Narrow-body fleet - Air France's fleet consists of all four variants of the Airbus A320 aircraft while the narrow-body fleet has a total of 114 jets. The contracts for Airbus A318 and A319 fleet are set to retire soon, and the airline has announced that 60 Airbus A220-300s would be replacing them in 2021. Further, on the same, Air France plans to add more Airbus A220 in its domestic routes to cut back on emissions.
Boeing 747 - Originally, Air France and KLM collectively started operating Boeing 747 which started from 1971. However, the flights were replaced by Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs starting 2016.
Airbus A380 - Airbus A380-800 "superjumbo" kicked off in 2001 by Air France. The airline became the first in all of Europe to accommodate and operate the A380. As per recent announcements by Air France-KLM though, the group has planned on replacing all their Airbus A380 fleet and instead plans to add more Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. The plan might go on floors sooner than one can estimate as the airline has been working on eliminating all the aircraft from its fleet.
Baggage Allowance
Air France's baggage allowance protocols are quite universal as many top airlines also follow the same terms and conditions. For hand baggage that can be taken to the cabin, the passenger of the Premium Economy, Business or La Première cabins can take two hand baggage. This is exclusive of one accessory bag which could be a laptop bag or a handbag. Meanwhile, the Economy cabin passengers are allowed to take only one hand baggage along with one accessory bag. The size for the hang baggage should not exceed the dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including the wheels, handles and pockets. You can check if your baggage fulfils this criterion at the airport as facilities to measure the size of the baggage is available. The weight for the baggage should be 12 kg and not more than that. For Premium Economy, Business or La Première ticket holders, the weight cannot exceed 18 kg. The weight is combined for all the baggage that you plan to take on board. Make sure to peruse through the official website of Air France to know the prohibited items that you cannot take with you on board.
As for checked baggage, you are not allowed to carry more than 23 kg for Economy cabin passengers and Premium Economy cabin too. Business-class and La Première cabin passengers can carry about 32 kg. Beyond the stated weight, passengers are allowed to purchase extra baggage weight at the airport. You can intimate the airlines about the same on their website too. The dimensions of checked baggage should not exceed 158 cm in total. If it does go beyond the stated dimension, then you will have to pay an extra sum at the airport.
In-flight services
Air France's in-flight services are world-class thanks to the fleet only operating Airbus and Boeing flights. The services are top-notch, especially for the premium cabins. Air France's La Première menu has been curated by Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grand Vefour's chef, Guy Martin. The exquisite menu includes hors d 'oeuvres, entrées, cheese and break basket topped with a dessert cart that comprises of pastries, tartlets and petit fours. Air France also serves complimentary champagne to passengers in all cabins. The airlines also offer a slew of in-flight entertainment with its Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) which is present in all cabins of long haul aircraft. The airline's magazine, Air France Magazine is also part of the in-flight entertainment, as is Air France Madame. Much recently, Air France also enabled WiFi connectivity for their fleets. La Première, Business, and Premium Economy passengers can avail the luxury lounges Le Salon, prevalent in various international airports.
There are four diverse cabins that Air France's fleets are divided into in terms of their cabin. These are majorly for the long haul international routes. They feature La Première, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The perks of Air France is how every cabin has recliner seats that stretch up to a decent amount in long-haul flights. Along with this, there are other in-flight services on Air France flights that range from personalised entertainment decks to woollen blankets as well as plug points to charge phones, tablets, laptops and more.
Popular routes and top cities for Air France
Air France is known for its exceptional flight connectivity. The airline's domestic route network connects to over 36 destinations while the international routes have 175 destinations connecting to 93 countries. Some of their biggest domestic cities include Paris, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse and Marseilles, to name a few. Many international cities include Brussels, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, Wuhan, Havana, Prague, Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, Mykonos, Hong Kong, Budapest, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Milan, Tokyo, New York, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Muscat, Doha, Los Angeles, Seoul, Stockholm, London, Bangkok, Manchester, Chicago, San Francisco and more.
Why travel by Air France?
Air France is easily known to be one of the best airlines in the world thanks to its excellent facilities and connectivity to major cities worldwide. The airline has a slew of services and perks to offer that make it the most sought-after choice. Take booking an Air France flight, for instance. They are available on all portals plus, you can get access to Air France's flight schedule and flight status as well. Moreover, you can do web check-ins too that would be very convenient.
About Murtala Muhammed Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, also known famously as Lagos Airport, caters to international operations and is situated in Ikeja, Lagos. It is one of the major hubs that serve the airport in the entire state. It was originally built in World War II and has been named after the fourth military ruler of Nigeria, Murtala Muhammed, in the 1970s. The most popular destinations that are often opted for from Murtala Muhammed International Airport are cities such as London Heathrow, Abuja, Enugu, Addis Ababa, Port Harcourt, Dubai, Owerri and Accra. The airport has a capacity to accommodate 6,367,478 passengers as of 2017.
About Airport Terminals
The Lagos Airport has two terminals, one dedicated to international operations and the second one for domestic activities. The two terminals use the same runway with respect to flight activities. The domestic terminal was originally the old Ikeja Airport. When the new international terminal opened in 1979, all the flight operations moved to the new terminal. Meanwhile, the old Ikeja Airport was transformed to cater to domestic operations. However, after a fire incident took place in the domestic terminal in 2000, the airport's operations were shifted to the old Lagos domestic terminal while a new terminal was constructed. The new terminal, also known as MMA2, was constructed and eventually commissioned in 2007. The international terminal was designed keeping Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's model in mind. The new terminal caters to Nigeria's biggest airline, Arik Air.
About Airport Authority
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is currently owned and operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. FAAN's headquarters is located in Ikeja, Lagos. Originally established as Nigeria Airports Authority (NAA) in 1976, the airport authority was renamed as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in 1995 after the Federal Government restructured and reformed the norms of the aviation industry. FAAN has since been working towards an ambitious rehabilitation programme to upscale the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The airport has managed to finish about 90 per cent of the work that they planned. In the recent times, the airport has seen some tremendous changes under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's management.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport's infrastructure has seen some good developments with the air conditioning improved and luggage belts repaired to perfection. The airport has also been cleaned and sanitized with many recent restaurants and food establishments being installed in the vicinity. Duty-free stores have also been opened with to make the airport fancier. After Bilateral Air Services Agreements were signed between Nigeria and a bunch of countries was revived, many airlines received landing rights again. With airlines such as Emirates, Delta Air Lines, China Southern Airlines and Ocean Air receiving rights and interest to land at Nigeria's Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the country has become easier to reach. In fact, Lagos Airport has become the largest international airport in Nigeria.
Top airlines flying from Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Muhammed International Airport majorly sees a lot of African airlines. However, the airport also accommodates a slew of international airlines in many global cities. The airport also has reserved a space for an Indian airline, Air India. Air India operations from Muhammed International Airport flies to Mumbai and Delhi. In terms of travelling within the continent, Lagos Airport sees a blend of many African airlines. Some of the airlines that operate from Muhammed International Airport include Aero Contractors, Africa World Airlines, Air Peace, Air Senegal, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.
Along with the African airlines operating from Muhammed International Airport, there are also a few international ones. Some of the prominent international airlines operating from Muhammed International Airport are Air France, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Facilities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
WiFi - Murtala Muhammed International Airport offers free WiFi services that you can avail. All you need to do is visit the information desk of the airport and ask them for instructions. Some of the instructions are also available on various internet kiosks spread across the airport terminals.
ATM and foreign exchange - Currency exchange booths are located at the arrival and departure zones of international terminals. The airport also offers decent exchange rates. In case you haven't had the time to make the exchange during your trip, the airport is the best place to exchange currencies. There are ATMs of local banks also present at the airport. You can withdraw or even transfer money within the premise.
Medical services - Kupa Aerospace Clinic offers medical services at the airport. They have been placed within the premise of the airport to help with emergency cases that might crop up. The clinics are spread out in proper intervals at the domestic and international terminals. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies installed at the terminals with most of the medicinal drugs.
Nursing stations - The airport has installed nursing stations for parents travelling with infants. The rooms are available for mother's to feed their infants and even clean them. There are baby products such as diapers, baby powders and other such essentials. This has been kept in the rooms, in case they run out of supplies.
Special assistance - Facilities to help special cases falling under the restricted mobility category are also available at the airport. For this, you will have to speak to your airlines and inform them that you require special assistance. The airport, with its trained staff, will accommodate the same for you. You can request for wheelchairs and porter services as well.
Restaurants and cafe - Much like all the airports, you can find restaurants and cafes at Lagos Airport as well. There are a few good options for restaurants with global cuisine. The airport has witnessed some massive upgradations and has since accommodated more restaurants and food establishments. They are available at the international and domestic terminals.
Prayer rooms - The airport has prayer rooms at the departure and arrival zones of the terminals. You can spend some time at the airport's multi-faith rooms. You can also meditate in the quiet rooms as a way to calm your nerves, in case flying concerns you.
Conference room - There is one dedicated conference room that is present within the airport premise. In case you need to hold a conference or a business meeting, the location is quite convenient, especially if it is for an international group of delegates. The conference room is well-equipped with modern amenities to cater to the needs of the host. Anything beyond what is available, you can request the same and ask Muhammed International Airport to help you out.
Lounges - Muhammed International Airport has quite a few lounges at the international as well as domestic terminals. At the international terminal, there are airline lounges as well as some by the airport. You can find Air France/KLM Lounge, British Airways Lounge, Premium Lounge, Skyway Premium Lounge, Gabfol Lounge, First Lounge, Oasis Lounge, SDS Lounge Services and SDS Llegada Arrival Lounge. All the lounges are open 24/7 and offer world-class facilities. They have a plush seating arrangement, snacks, liquor, play area for kids, smoking zones, entertainment decks, free WiFi, restaurants and more. Some of them even have sleeping beds and shower services. VIP Lounge and Platinum Membership Lounge are available at the domestic terminal and offer similar services.
Baggage - Baggage services are available but split into the domestic and international terminals. Depending on which terminal you are at, the baggage services would be offered. The international airport provides specific facilities such as baggage wrapping to prevent theft and mishandling, trolleys, porter services to carry the luggage and more. The domestic terminal has comparatively fewer services. However, you can request for specified services to your airlines, and the airport would provide them.
How to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Public transport
There are bus services available that will reach you to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. However, there is no definitive route that would connect you to the airport from the city. From the Ikeja region, there are no specific routes or even fares that would be fixed to reach you anywhere within Lagos. Further on this, it is not safe to take a bus at certain hours during the day and night. You need to be very careful of the fact that some areas are unsafe and shouldn't be travelled by bus. Hence, the best way to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport would be to take the taxi instead of a bus.
Taxicabs
The trip from the airport to Lagos city could take a lot of time, approximately one to three hours. This is because the routes have terrible roads. Plus, the distance to the city centre is also quite a lot. However, it is safer to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport from anywhere in the city of Lagos. Again though, avoid taking a taxi in the night as the roads are not safe.
About Lagos
Touted to be one of the most populous city centres of the Sub-Saharan Africa, Lagos, located on the coasts of Nigeria, is a fasting-growing city in the continent. The city's exquisite resorts, cultural museums, nightlife and boutiques make it one of the most sought-after cities in Nigeria. Not to mention how it also stands tall as the financial capital of the metropolis. The port city of Lagos has turned a new leaf and is quite the thriving city with impeccable contribution to the economy of Nigeria.
Best time to visit Lagos
Thanks to Lagos' proximity to the equator, the climate is hot and wet most of the year. The air is always hot and humid, which makes it quite unfavourable for travelling. However, there are some seasons or rather months in the city when the sun and humidity are relatively bearable and ideal for tourism. The peak travel and offseason are perfectly segregated into two halves. The six months from October to April are dry with winters taking over from December to February. The remaining months see wet and humid weather. The beginning of the dry season is called Harmattan in Nigeria. During this season, the weather is extremely tourist-friendly and amiable. The beaches are exceptionally beautiful as the dry season kicks in. December to February easily become the best months to visit the city. However, you should ensure that if you do opt for one of the months from the dry season, you should carry clothes accordingly. The dry season can get a little hot too. Light clothing is the best thing you can opt for when in Lagos. Plus, carrying a bottle of water is also quite essential. More than one, if needed.
Summer and monsoon months are quite unfavourable for travelling. The city is soaked wet with extreme possibilities of floods and other such conundrums. Not to mention how the damp and humid weather only adds to creepy crawlers in the environment. It would be quite risky to travel to the city during the monsoon. The hotel prices are cheap in Lagos during monsoon for this very reason. As it is an offseason, the hotel prices are slashed, and it becomes easier to make reservations. However, it is not advisable to plan a trip around this time just to make some savings in the hotel booking. Instead, opt for one of the dry months which are close to the winter season. The city would be pleasant, and tourist activities would be compelling, without any trouble.
Places to visit in Lagos
Lagos has quite a handful of tourist attractions worth visiting. The Tafawa Balewa Square is one such location that boasts historical significance and plays a memorial to victims of the two world wars. The area also hosts events, concerts and plays the role of a racecourse. You should also visit the Teslim Balogun Stadium, which is the country's national stadium. The place is known for its exceptional sporting facilities and also witnesses some exquisite festivals and events, including football matches, both local and international. The Nigerian National Museum is another attraction that would pique your interest. With archaeological relics from the Nigerian history and ethnographic artworks on display, the place is perfect to learn more about the country's ancient history and culture. Lekki Conservation Centre is acclaimed to be an urban park which boasts lush landscapes, wildlife and a perfect getaway for recreational activities. Lagos' Freedom Park is a place you should definitely visit as it exhibits the creative expression of art and culture of the country.
Things to do in Lagos
To indulge in some more of the vibrant African music culture, you can check out the New Afrikan Shrine. Its compelling and engaging music would have quite an effect on you. Not to mention how the lively atmosphere would be an experience of a lifetime. You can also visit the Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens to relish the green expanses and lawns that the park has to offer. It is perfect for photography and picnics. Do not miss out some of their beaches and lagoons that touch the city. With the dry and hot weather, the beaches would be a good escape. La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort would be a nice place to relax and unwind. Hi Impact Planet is also a good place where you can engage in some recreational activities. The amusement park has some fun rides that would elevate your spirits and make you quite happy. To catch some Nigerian movies, you can watch a show at the Silverbird Galleria.
Food and restaurants in Lagos
Lagos is recognised as one of the most populous and culturally eclectic cities in Nigeria. In fact, it is also revered for its cultural stance in the whole of Africa. The city does have a Western air with more emphasis on global music, art and culinary spheres. With such artistic and cultural heritage that Lagos boasts, the food culture is a reflection of the same. You will find not just African and Lagos- specific dishes but an array of fusion food from around the world. Villa Medici is one such place that brims French flavours and adds more panache to it. Some of the highlights that the French cuisine is known for, including frogs' legs and escargot a la bourguignonne, can be found here in this food establishment. Order some fine wine and cocktails to go with the food, and you'll have quite a good time here. Métisse is another recognised restaurant in the city that raves Asian and fusion cuisine. With a nautical decor of the place, the restaurant offers a platter of not just Asian dishes but also Lagos's traditional taste. The place also hosts live music to make the dining experience rich.
While fusion food is something you'll find aplenty in Lagos. However, to get the authentic Nigerian food, you have Terra Kulture, a good establishment predominantly known for its exquisite take on Nigerian cuisine. Indulge in the gastronomical delights of authentic Nigerian food at Terra Kulture. Taste their ofada rice, boiled yam, plantain and catfish. The setting of the place is also quite awesome with Nigerian art exhibited on the walls for customers to relish, aside from their food. The Jazzhole is an interesting and iconic record shop, book shop and a cafe. Basically, it is a quaint cafe nestled in the internal routes of Ikoyi in Lagos. The place is untouched and perfect as it sees less crowd and more peace. Plus, the soothing jazz music with soulful performances goes perfectly well for high tea and books. You can also visit the Eko Sky Restaurant and Lounge to receive the best view of the city and astounding food and drinks. It is away from the city's hustle-bustle and has a very tranquil environment that would go down perfectly well with the food and drinks that they serve.
How to reach Lagos
Flight connectivity to Lagos from India is quite decent. There are no direct flights that connect to Lagos from India, but there are enough connecting flights from Cairo and Addis Ababa. The demand for Lagos from India is not a lot, due to which even the number of flights is limited. However, there are various international routes connected to Lagos which have immaculate connectivity. Airlines such as EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, RwandAir, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, SpiceJet, Emirates, Lufthansa, Swiss, Etihad Airways, to name a few, have flights flying in and out of Lagos. There are various international routes that connect to Lagos from Middle-East to European to even Atlantic. However, there are countless layovers and long durations that make only a handful ideal to pick from. From India, the most popular routes to Lagos are from Addis Ababa, Dubai, Cairo and Istanbul. These cities have direct flights heading to Lagos and have fewer hours of layovers too. There are flight options connecting from European cities such as Frankfurt and Zurich too. However, these cities have multiple layovers and connecting flights, making it a cumbersome ordeal.
Not to mention how you will require a transit visa to board connecting flights from these cities to Lagos. EgyptAir, RwandAir and Ethiopian Airlines offer the best ticket prices to Lagos as well as decent flight duration. The approximate flight duration from India to Lagos is 12 hours and fifty minutes. The flight tickets to Lagos are a little expensive. It would cost you just as much to reach a European country as much it would be for a trip to Lagos. The best thing to do to snag inexpensive tickets would be searching for excessive flight deals online to get a good price for a flight ticket to Lagos. There are always countless deals and offers on the web. You could probably use this time to invest in miles or make use of the already-existing miles to fund the trip. While you're booking your flight tickets to Lagos, also opt to make hotel reservations in the city. The prices of hotels in Lagos could also vary depending on which season you pick for your trip. It would be best to look for combo deals online where your flight and hotel reservations are made for a cheap and affordable rate.
About Accra
Accra is the capital of Ghana and is one of the liveliest cities in Africa. It's a wonderful blend of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers. Accra is also one of the wealthier cities in Africa and has a rich history. The fact that it is so close to the sea is what attracts tourists to the city. Accra is known for its never-ending party parade. The locals don't need a reason to celebrate and start partying from Wednesday through Sunday. You can head to Labadi beach in the middle of the week, and you'll see the locals partying. The loud music, the party atmosphere, the flowing drinks and the hangover that follows the next day is a normal thing for the people here. The city has a lot of open-air venues and amphitheatres where they host live music. The groove never ends in this city. Not just musicians but you will also find a lot of artists in Accra. You can also check the artworks and the various art galleries in the city. You can head up to Aburi Hills if you want a break from the city and turn it into an adventure. Accra is full of surprises and one of the most underrated destinations for an adventurous holiday.
Best Time to Visit Accra
January to May is the high tourist season in Accra. The temperature averages to 28 degree Celsius making it the best time to hit the beach. Though the weather is moderately humid, it doesn't stop you from pursuing any outdoor activities. Make sure you book your hotel in Accra for several weeks in advance because the hotels will not get packed but also increase their rates. You will also have to book your flight tickets to Accra well in advance before the prices increase. Since this is a high tourist season, the party scenes will only get more exciting. You will, however, have to make sure that you are using your sunblock regularly and drink lots of water. You will find yourself attending a lot of beach parties during this season. You might also have to wait in queues at certain major tourist attractions owing to the increase in tourists.
You can also visit the city from June to September. The temperature ranges from 21 to 32 degree Celsius, and it's quite humid, but it still won't stop you from stepping out and exploring the city. The hotel prices and flight fares might drop since this season doesn't have a lot of tourists holidaying in the city. You will get great flight deals to Accra online if you decide to travel to the city during this time of the year.
October to December is also considered to be a great time to head to Accra. The temperature reaches a maximum of 32 degree Celsius, and it does get pretty hot, but it is also a decent time to hit the beach, or you can chill by the pool in your hotel. You might get cheap flight tickets to Accra during these months since only fewer tourists are seen holidaying here during these months. Since the city is known for its vibrant party scenes, you know that you will have a great time at the New Year's parties here. You can pick from nightclubs or beach parties or both. Put on your fanciest outfit and get your groove on.
Places to Visit in Accra
Jamestown Lighthouse is one of the oldest structures in Accra and offers you a magnificent view of the city from up top. Artists Alliance Gallery is an art gallery that you wouldn't want to miss. You will find the quirkiest artworks and exhibitions. Nubuke Foundation is another place to head to if you want to witness and appreciate good artwork. Fantasy Coffins is one of the unique coffin makers in the world. The coffin can come in any form that the customer wants, and it is worth it. Labadi beach is a popular beach in the city that is known for throwing the craziest beach parties, and you will absolutely love spending an evening here. +233 Jazz Bar and Grill is a nightclub that you can go to if outdoor parties are not your cup of tea. This is also one of the oldest music venues in Accra. If you want to have some casual lunch, shop at the fanciest places and then enter a premier nightclub to the wee hours, ICON House is the place for you. You can shop at La Maison, have lunch at Coco Lounge and head to Carbon, one of Accra's premium nightclubs.
Don't feel like doing anything crazy today? You can just go for a walk at the Aburi Botanical Garden. Accra also has quite a lot of other extracurricular activities for tourists, and You can also go horseback riding, play rugby, surf, etc. The city has something in store for all kinds of tourists. You might even make a few friends before you leave the city. You can also check out the package tours that are available with your tour guide. It is best to hire a guide to explore the city so you know the history of Accra and you might even meet new people if it is a guided tour. You can also go on a shopping spree at the local markets here. You will definitely need help with the bags because you will end up purchasing a lot of things at a minimal price. Whether it is souvenirs or clothes or jewellery, you will find everything that you need here.
Things to do in Accra
If you love parties, Accra is the right place for you. The locals start partying Wednesday onwards and keep at it till Sunday. Well, you don't have to party for four days straight if you don't want to, but it is an experience of a lifetime. You can also sign up for a guided sightseeing tour of the city and cover the major attractions. If you don't feel like going sightseeing, you can always hit the beach and just relax there. The beaches in Accra also offer a variety of water activities for you to try, like surfing, boating and so on. You can also go horseback riding if you want to. If you are in the city during a football match league, you are in for a treat. The locals cheer for their favourite teams quite fiercely. You can just go to a sports bar and cheer for whatever team you like with a pint of beer. You will definitely make a lot of friends this way unless you are cheering for the opposite team.
Foods and Restaurants in Accra
Accra, or Ghana for that matter, is not particularly known for its cuisine. Still, you will find a variety of cuisines from all over the world being served at restaurants here. Bread & Wine is an expensive place in Accra but is completely worth all the money spent. It is a perfect restaurant for celebratory meals or a romantic date or a far romantic proposal. The restaurant serves authentic French cuisines that come with an excellent selection of Wine. You can pack some desert and take it home as the restaurant also has its own bakery. Most customers prefer outdoor terrace seating. Kaya Energy Bar and Design is a unique restaurant that creates dishes and drinks using raw ingredients. They believe that food must be enjoyed raw, so you don't lose any of the nutrients in the cooking process. This is the best place to go to if you are health conscious. Craving for some sushi? Head over to Santoku. You can also tie the restaurant's signature dish, pan-fried scallops with foie gras and orange tobiko. You can also opt for the teriyaki pork belly with ginger ponzu aubergine.
Buka is an African restaurant that serves fusion dishes from Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria. It would be best if you tried the fresh fish soup, grilled guinea fowl and jollof rice here. You can also try La Chaumiere, a bistro that specialises in French cuisine. You will find vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, too. You must order the French onion soup and Nicoise salad here.
How to reach Accra
Kotoka International Airport is the international airport that functions from Accra. The flight connectivity to Accra from India is quite good. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates Airline have more frequent flights to Accra than any other airline, with layovers at Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dubai. Look out for exciting flight deals to Accra online, especially if you are travelling during peak season. You will get cheap flight tickets to Accra during the offseason since the demand is low. The airport has quite a lot of facilities for passengers like several ATMs, information desk, lounges, WiFi, bars, restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, car rental services and so on. Getting a cab to your hotel from the airport is not a huge task, and even the airport staff offers to book one for you.
About Air France
Air France, popularly stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the flag carrier of France and has its headquarters in Tremblay-en-France. The airline also has a subsidiary which is a merger between Air France-KLM Group. The airline is one of the founding members of SkyTeam, one of the top global airline alliances. Air France serves about 36 destinations in its domestic routes and also caters to about 175 cities in the international routes. This further includes the 93 French-administered overseas territories of France. In 2019, the airline recorded to carry 46,803,000 passengers. Charles de Gaulle Airport along with Orly Airport is the primary hubs of Air France. The corporate headquarters of the airline was previously located in Montparnasse. However, it has been relocated to be on the grounds of Charles de Gaulle Airport, situated in the north of the city Paris. Air France came into existence in 1933 following a merger of Air Union, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne, Air Orient, Compagnie Générale Aéropostale and Société Générale de Transport Aérien took place.
The airline played a significant role during the Cold War between 1950 to 1990 as one of the main three Allied airlines. It operated from Germany's Tempelhof and Tegel airports. Air France acquired operations of France's domestic carrier Air Inter and Union de Transports Aériens, international rival UTA. In 2003, the airlines had a merger with KLM, after seven decades of being the primary carrier of France. Air France also has offices in various other international cities such as in Midtown Manhattan, New York City as well as in Plesman House in Hatton Cross. Air France primarily adopted a seahorse logo from its predecessor, Air Orient. The logo is known as hippocampe ailé, also called la crevette or popularly referred to as shrimp by the employees. In the past, before Air France and KLM merged, the hippocampe ailé was on the nose section of the aircraft, painted right next to the Air France title. However, the logo was substituted following the merger and put to the engine nacelles.
Currently, Air France's livery comprises of white fuselage with the blue Air France title as well as design. It follows a Eurowhite scheme with its tail being white with parallel red and blue lines. The same is painted on the tail at a certain angle, to represent a small European flag. The livery has been used since the 1970s and has Air France painted on the fuselage, written in blue.
Fleet size of Air France
Presently, Air France operates a whopping fleet of 216 aircraft. The airline's narrow-body fleet has all the four Airbus A320 variants while its long-haul operations are only served by Boeing 777, 787, Airbus A330 and A350 XWB wide-body aircraft. The airline has a 100 per cent Airbus-Boeing fleet, for better productivity.
Wide-body fleet - In 2011, Air France-KLM made an announcement that they have ordered for 50 Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s that would be operated by both the airlines. The two airlines have a commitment for Boeing 787s out of which, 25 are direct, and 12 are leased. The first Boeing 787-9 to enter operations for KLM took place in 2015 while in 2017, Air France received its first Boeing 787-9. The two airlines also have orders for 28 A350s to join their fleet. Much recently, the group announced a revision in the original order, making Air France as the sole operator of Airbus A350. At the same time, KLM became the only airline operating Boeing 787s, including the six aircraft that were initially earmarked for Air France.
Narrow-body fleet - Air France's fleet consists of all four variants of the Airbus A320 aircraft while the narrow-body fleet has a total of 114 jets. The contracts for Airbus A318 and A319 fleet are set to retire soon, and the airline has announced that 60 Airbus A220-300s would be replacing them in 2021. Further, on the same, Air France plans to add more Airbus A220 in its domestic routes to cut back on emissions.
Boeing 747 - Originally, Air France and KLM collectively started operating Boeing 747 which started from 1971. However, the flights were replaced by Airbus A380s and Boeing 777-300ERs starting 2016.
Airbus A380 - Airbus A380-800 "superjumbo" kicked off in 2001 by Air France. The airline became the first in all of Europe to accommodate and operate the A380. As per recent announcements by Air France-KLM though, the group has planned on replacing all their Airbus A380 fleet and instead plans to add more Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. The plan might go on floors sooner than one can estimate as the airline has been working on eliminating all the aircraft from its fleet.
Baggage Allowance
Air France's baggage allowance protocols are quite universal as many top airlines also follow the same terms and conditions. For hand baggage that can be taken to the cabin, the passenger of the Premium Economy, Business or La Première cabins can take two hand baggage. This is exclusive of one accessory bag which could be a laptop bag or a handbag. Meanwhile, the Economy cabin passengers are allowed to take only one hand baggage along with one accessory bag. The size for the hang baggage should not exceed the dimensions of 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including the wheels, handles and pockets. You can check if your baggage fulfils this criterion at the airport as facilities to measure the size of the baggage is available. The weight for the baggage should be 12 kg and not more than that. For Premium Economy, Business or La Première ticket holders, the weight cannot exceed 18 kg. The weight is combined for all the baggage that you plan to take on board. Make sure to peruse through the official website of Air France to know the prohibited items that you cannot take with you on board.
As for checked baggage, you are not allowed to carry more than 23 kg for Economy cabin passengers and Premium Economy cabin too. Business-class and La Première cabin passengers can carry about 32 kg. Beyond the stated weight, passengers are allowed to purchase extra baggage weight at the airport. You can intimate the airlines about the same on their website too. The dimensions of checked baggage should not exceed 158 cm in total. If it does go beyond the stated dimension, then you will have to pay an extra sum at the airport.
In-flight services
Air France's in-flight services are world-class thanks to the fleet only operating Airbus and Boeing flights. The services are top-notch, especially for the premium cabins. Air France's La Première menu has been curated by Michelin-starred restaurant Le Grand Vefour's chef, Guy Martin. The exquisite menu includes hors d 'oeuvres, entrées, cheese and break basket topped with a dessert cart that comprises of pastries, tartlets and petit fours. Air France also serves complimentary champagne to passengers in all cabins. The airlines also offer a slew of in-flight entertainment with its Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) which is present in all cabins of long haul aircraft. The airline's magazine, Air France Magazine is also part of the in-flight entertainment, as is Air France Madame. Much recently, Air France also enabled WiFi connectivity for their fleets. La Première, Business, and Premium Economy passengers can avail the luxury lounges Le Salon, prevalent in various international airports.
There are four diverse cabins that Air France's fleets are divided into in terms of their cabin. These are majorly for the long haul international routes. They feature La Première, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The perks of Air France is how every cabin has recliner seats that stretch up to a decent amount in long-haul flights. Along with this, there are other in-flight services on Air France flights that range from personalised entertainment decks to woollen blankets as well as plug points to charge phones, tablets, laptops and more.
Popular routes and top cities for Air France
Air France is known for its exceptional flight connectivity. The airline's domestic route network connects to over 36 destinations while the international routes have 175 destinations connecting to 93 countries. Some of their biggest domestic cities include Paris, Lyon, Nice, Toulouse and Marseilles, to name a few. Many international cities include Brussels, Sydney, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Toronto, Vancouver, Beijing, Wuhan, Havana, Prague, Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, Mykonos, Hong Kong, Budapest, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Milan, Tokyo, New York, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico City, Amsterdam, Muscat, Doha, Los Angeles, Seoul, Stockholm, London, Bangkok, Manchester, Chicago, San Francisco and more.
Why travel by Air France?
Air France is easily known to be one of the best airlines in the world thanks to its excellent facilities and connectivity to major cities worldwide. The airline has a slew of services and perks to offer that make it the most sought-after choice. Take booking an Air France flight, for instance. They are available on all portals plus, you can get access to Air France's flight schedule and flight status as well. Moreover, you can do web check-ins too that would be very convenient.
About Murtala Muhammed Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, also known famously as Lagos Airport, caters to international operations and is situated in Ikeja, Lagos. It is one of the major hubs that serve the airport in the entire state. It was originally built in World War II and has been named after the fourth military ruler of Nigeria, Murtala Muhammed, in the 1970s. The most popular destinations that are often opted for from Murtala Muhammed International Airport are cities such as London Heathrow, Abuja, Enugu, Addis Ababa, Port Harcourt, Dubai, Owerri and Accra. The airport has a capacity to accommodate 6,367,478 passengers as of 2017.
About Airport Terminals
The Lagos Airport has two terminals, one dedicated to international operations and the second one for domestic activities. The two terminals use the same runway with respect to flight activities. The domestic terminal was originally the old Ikeja Airport. When the new international terminal opened in 1979, all the flight operations moved to the new terminal. Meanwhile, the old Ikeja Airport was transformed to cater to domestic operations. However, after a fire incident took place in the domestic terminal in 2000, the airport's operations were shifted to the old Lagos domestic terminal while a new terminal was constructed. The new terminal, also known as MMA2, was constructed and eventually commissioned in 2007. The international terminal was designed keeping Amsterdam Airport Schiphol's model in mind. The new terminal caters to Nigeria's biggest airline, Arik Air.
About Airport Authority
Murtala Muhammed International Airport is currently owned and operated by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. FAAN's headquarters is located in Ikeja, Lagos. Originally established as Nigeria Airports Authority (NAA) in 1976, the airport authority was renamed as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in 1995 after the Federal Government restructured and reformed the norms of the aviation industry. FAAN has since been working towards an ambitious rehabilitation programme to upscale the Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The airport has managed to finish about 90 per cent of the work that they planned. In the recent times, the airport has seen some tremendous changes under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's management.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport's infrastructure has seen some good developments with the air conditioning improved and luggage belts repaired to perfection. The airport has also been cleaned and sanitized with many recent restaurants and food establishments being installed in the vicinity. Duty-free stores have also been opened with to make the airport fancier. After Bilateral Air Services Agreements were signed between Nigeria and a bunch of countries was revived, many airlines received landing rights again. With airlines such as Emirates, Delta Air Lines, China Southern Airlines and Ocean Air receiving rights and interest to land at Nigeria's Murtala Muhammed International Airport, the country has become easier to reach. In fact, Lagos Airport has become the largest international airport in Nigeria.
Top airlines flying from Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Muhammed International Airport majorly sees a lot of African airlines. However, the airport also accommodates a slew of international airlines in many global cities. The airport also has reserved a space for an Indian airline, Air India. Air India operations from Muhammed International Airport flies to Mumbai and Delhi. In terms of travelling within the continent, Lagos Airport sees a blend of many African airlines. Some of the airlines that operate from Muhammed International Airport include Aero Contractors, Africa World Airlines, Air Peace, Air Senegal, Arik Air, Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways.
Along with the African airlines operating from Muhammed International Airport, there are also a few international ones. Some of the prominent international airlines operating from Muhammed International Airport are Air France, British Airways, China Southern Airlines, Delta Air Lines, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Facilities at Murtala Muhammed International Airport
WiFi - Murtala Muhammed International Airport offers free WiFi services that you can avail. All you need to do is visit the information desk of the airport and ask them for instructions. Some of the instructions are also available on various internet kiosks spread across the airport terminals.
ATM and foreign exchange - Currency exchange booths are located at the arrival and departure zones of international terminals. The airport also offers decent exchange rates. In case you haven't had the time to make the exchange during your trip, the airport is the best place to exchange currencies. There are ATMs of local banks also present at the airport. You can withdraw or even transfer money within the premise.
Medical services - Kupa Aerospace Clinic offers medical services at the airport. They have been placed within the premise of the airport to help with emergency cases that might crop up. The clinics are spread out in proper intervals at the domestic and international terminals. Along with clinics, the airport also has pharmacies installed at the terminals with most of the medicinal drugs.
Nursing stations - The airport has installed nursing stations for parents travelling with infants. The rooms are available for mother's to feed their infants and even clean them. There are baby products such as diapers, baby powders and other such essentials. This has been kept in the rooms, in case they run out of supplies.
Special assistance - Facilities to help special cases falling under the restricted mobility category are also available at the airport. For this, you will have to speak to your airlines and inform them that you require special assistance. The airport, with its trained staff, will accommodate the same for you. You can request for wheelchairs and porter services as well.
Restaurants and cafe - Much like all the airports, you can find restaurants and cafes at Lagos Airport as well. There are a few good options for restaurants with global cuisine. The airport has witnessed some massive upgradations and has since accommodated more restaurants and food establishments. They are available at the international and domestic terminals.
Prayer rooms - The airport has prayer rooms at the departure and arrival zones of the terminals. You can spend some time at the airport's multi-faith rooms. You can also meditate in the quiet rooms as a way to calm your nerves, in case flying concerns you.
Conference room - There is one dedicated conference room that is present within the airport premise. In case you need to hold a conference or a business meeting, the location is quite convenient, especially if it is for an international group of delegates. The conference room is well-equipped with modern amenities to cater to the needs of the host. Anything beyond what is available, you can request the same and ask Muhammed International Airport to help you out.
Lounges - Muhammed International Airport has quite a few lounges at the international as well as domestic terminals. At the international terminal, there are airline lounges as well as some by the airport. You can find Air France/KLM Lounge, British Airways Lounge, Premium Lounge, Skyway Premium Lounge, Gabfol Lounge, First Lounge, Oasis Lounge, SDS Lounge Services and SDS Llegada Arrival Lounge. All the lounges are open 24/7 and offer world-class facilities. They have a plush seating arrangement, snacks, liquor, play area for kids, smoking zones, entertainment decks, free WiFi, restaurants and more. Some of them even have sleeping beds and shower services. VIP Lounge and Platinum Membership Lounge are available at the domestic terminal and offer similar services.
Baggage - Baggage services are available but split into the domestic and international terminals. Depending on which terminal you are at, the baggage services would be offered. The international airport provides specific facilities such as baggage wrapping to prevent theft and mishandling, trolleys, porter services to carry the luggage and more. The domestic terminal has comparatively fewer services. However, you can request for specified services to your airlines, and the airport would provide them.
How to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport
Public transport
There are bus services available that will reach you to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. However, there is no definitive route that would connect you to the airport from the city. From the Ikeja region, there are no specific routes or even fares that would be fixed to reach you anywhere within Lagos. Further on this, it is not safe to take a bus at certain hours during the day and night. You need to be very careful of the fact that some areas are unsafe and shouldn't be travelled by bus. Hence, the best way to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport would be to take the taxi instead of a bus.
Taxicabs
The trip from the airport to Lagos city could take a lot of time, approximately one to three hours. This is because the routes have terrible roads. Plus, the distance to the city centre is also quite a lot. However, it is safer to reach Murtala Muhammed International Airport from anywhere in the city of Lagos. Again though, avoid taking a taxi in the night as the roads are not safe.
