Guide to Margaret Ekpo International Airport (CBQ)

Margaret Ekpo International Airport, also known as Calabar Airport, Calabar International Airport, or by its IATA code CBQ, serves as Cross River State’s main aviation hub, located 10-12 kilometers from Calabar city center. Commissioned in 1983 and named after prominent women’s rights activist Margaret Ekpo, this single-terminal, single-runway facility currently operates domestic flights to Lagos and Abuja through two airlines: Aero Contractors and Ibom Air.

Transportation from the city center at Watt Market takes approximately 12-20 minutes using various options, including 

• Taxis
• Bolt ride-hailing services
• public transport

The compact terminal houses essential amenities such as check-in counters, baggage claim area, a paid VIP lounge, shops, restrooms, ATM, and FAAN-managed parking facilities, though free WiFi is not available.

Beyond its aviation services, the airport serves as a gateway to Cross River State’s rich tourism offerings. Popular nearby attractions include the 

• Slave Trade Museum
• Kwa Waterfall
• Obudu Mountain Resort

Calabar itself is considered one of Nigeria’s safer tourist destinations, celebrated for its annual December Carnival and vibrant Efik cultural heritage, making this airport an important entry point for exploring the region’s historical and natural attractions.

What is the name of Calabar airport?

The name of Calabar Airport is Margaret Ekpo International Airport, and it is known by its IATA code, CBQ. This name was given in honor of Lady Margaret Ekpo, who dedicated a large part of her life to giving a voice to Nigerian women for the peace and progress of the country. Margaret Ekpo International Airport was commissioned in the year 1983 by the sitting president, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari.

Travelers who fly to and from Calabar Airport can access direct flights to Abuja and Lagos and to other parts of Nigeria using connecting flights.

Is Calabar Airport an international airport?

Yes, Calabar Airport is an international airport, although it only offers local flights to Abuja and Lagos at least three times weekly through airlines like Aero Contractors and Ibom Air. As of writing, the Air Peace Airline has stopped its international routes from Calabar to London and Monrovia.

Where is Calabar Airport located?

The Margaret Ekpo International Airport is located in Calabar, Cross River State, and is approximately 10–12 kilometers from the city center of Calabar (the Watt Market area). The airport is situated along the Calabar-Ikom Highway in the northern part of Calabar. 

If it’s your first time in Calabar, Google Maps will help you get to the airport by taking you to Watt Market, the city center, to find a ride. This option takes 20 minutes or more to arrive at the airport, depending on how busy the road is. You can also use a ride-hailing service to go from where you are to the airport. 

How many terminals does Calabar International Airport have?

Calabar Airport has a single terminal divided into an arrival and departure lounge. All two airlines that operate in the airport are present in this single terminal: Aero Contractors and Ibom Air.

The terminal has other basic facilities, including check-in counters, a baggage claim area, a VIP lounge, and some shops and food outlets. 

How many runways does Calabar Airport have?

Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar has one runway. It’s used for both takeoffs/landings and taxiing for all flights operating at the airport.

How many airlines operate at Calabar International Airport?

Two airlines are fully operational for domestic flights at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar. These airlines include:

Aero Contractors	Domestic Flights
Ibom Air	Domestic Flights

These airlines have their specific flight days and rates per week, which is why Flightpadi does the work of rigorous flight searches for you with our swift flight booking service. We bring you the best flight deals and manage your flight booking to and from Calabar Airport.

What are the best ways to get to and from Calabar Airport?

The different available transportation options to get to Margaret Ekpo International Airport include

• Bike
• Tricycle
• Taxis
• Minibuses
• Ride-hailing cabs

With any of these options, it’ll take you approximately 12–20 minutes to get to the airport from the Calabar city center at Watt Market. However, the most reliable transportation option is to use a ride-hailing service like Bolt, as it eliminates the stress of hopping off at different drop-offs and battling with your luggage.

Can I use public transportation to get to Calabar airport?

Yes, you can use public transportation to get to Calabar Airport, as it’s a cheaper option and if you don’t mind the discomfort that comes with it. The implication of using public transportation to get to the airport is that there may be different drop-offs along the way. Therefore, it’s best to work with time if you’re going for this option.

How do I get a taxi at Margaret Ekpo International Airport?

It’s easy to find a taxi at Calabar Airport the moment you leave the baggage claim arena, as taxi drivers are usually at the airport entrance. These drivers are already on standby waiting for your arrival, so you only need to find the best option that suits your budget.

Can I rent a car at Calabar airport?

Yes, you can rent a car for pick-up and transfers at Calabar airport if you want to enjoy a comfortable treat that fits into your luxury lifestyle too. Cars you can rent range from SUVs, sports cars, saloon cars, etc. You can easily send a direct message to Flightpadi to get you easy access to direct car rental services in Calabar.

Do ride-hailing apps work at Calabar airport?

Yes, ride-hailing apps like Bolt are fully operative in Calabar Airport. Their service covers dropping you off at the airport prior to your departure and upon your arrival to Calabar. All you need to do is download the Bolt app and input your location and destination, and you’ll have a driver at your disposal.

Is there a parking space at Calabar International Airport?

Yes, there’s enough parking space to come in and drop off at the Calabar airport. Should you need to park your car on the airport premises for an extended period, please reach out to FAAN.  

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is the organization in charge of car parking at Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar. FAAN manages the parking facilities and sets the parking fees at Calabar airport. You will receive a ticket for identification purposes after paying parking fees based on duration (hourly or daily rates).

How do I navigate inside Margaret Ekpo International Airport?

Navigating inside Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar is straightforward since it’s only a single terminal airport. What this means is that you’ll find everything you need inside one hall. 

From the main entrance, you’ll see the check-in hall where your ID and luggage will be screened and be given a boarding pass. Then you can proceed to the departure section, where you’ll sit and wait for your aircraft to arrive.

You can also access restrooms, shops, and snack outlets within a minimal walking distance. Calabar airport has a VIP lounge where you can relax and rest for a short while before your departure and is accessible for a token. The airport has basic signage to direct passengers to check-in counters, gates, baggage claim, and exits. Because of its compact size, it’s difficult to get lost, and staff are usually available to assist if needed.  

Does Calabar airport have free wifi?

Calabar airport doesn’t have an accessible free wifi. You still need your internet connectivity if you intend to be active online upon arrival at the airport premises, as you may not be able to access their limited wifi connectivity.

What amenities and facilities are available at Calabar International Airport?

Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar offers basic amenities and facilities, which include:

• Check-in counters for the operating airlines
• Security screening area
• Departure lounge with seating
• Baggage claim area
• A few shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs
• Restrooms
• ATM 

Are there lounges at Calabar International Airport?

Yes, Calabar airport has a VIP lounge containing cushions for relaxation while you wait for your flight. You will need to pay a fee before you can access this VIP lounge, and here, they provide you with snacks, while you can also request a meal, and it will be prepared for you. 

What should I know about Calabar airport departures?

At the Calabar airport departures, there are certain activities you have to partake in before you’re qualified to travel. This is the check-in process, which provides you with a boarding pass after it is done and the security procedure of screening your baggage to ensure you’re not travelling with any harmful or prohibited material.

Check-in process

Once you get to Calabar Airport, which should be at least 2 hours before your flight time, look for the signs that point toward arrivals. From there, head over to your airline’s check-in counter so you can go through the process of checking in. It’s important to have all your travel papers, especially your identification card and online check-in ticket, handy for when they need to be checked. 

Your phone can display this online check-in if you did it before arriving at the airport. After checking in, they’ll give you a boarding pass. You’ll also get an identification ticket for your check-in luggage. 

Then, you just follow the directions leading you to where the security screening happens.

Security procedures

Going through security before you get on your flight is a must-do. Security properly scans you and any other items in your possession before you proceed to the departure hall. 

Here are some easy tips to help you get through the security check at Calabar Airport without any trouble:

• Getting there early gives you plenty of time for the security process to avoid rush hour.
• Remove laptops and other electronics from your bags and put liquids and gels in a clear plastic bag before screening. We recommend keeping your perfumes and cream in your checked luggage.
• To avoid beeping at the metal detector, remove jackets, belts, and any metal stuff like pins and razor blades ahead of time.
• Double-check that none of your carry-on items are banned, like sharp things or any liquid.

Once you’ve gone through the security check, you can now proceed to the departure hall to wait for your aircraft. It’s important to listen out for any announcements about boarding where you’ll queue for the final security check before boarding. 

Here, you’ll show your boarding pass to the person at the gate and then head towards the plane. By following what the cabin crew tells you, everything should go smoothly as you get ready for takeoff.

What happens when I arrive at Margaret Ekpo International Airport?

The moment you land at Calabar Airport, you’ll proceed to the arrivals area, and if you don’t have checked luggage, you can depart the airport from there. If you have one, you must wait at the baggage claim area to identify and retrieve your luggage.

Where is baggage claim?

You’ll find the clearly labeled signage ‘baggage claim’ upon entering the arrival section of the terminal in Calabar airport. This spot is where you’ll pick up your luggage. Then you’ll present your luggage ticket to an officer on standby to confirm ownership.

In case your luggage is lost or you have complaints, you can go to the baggage complaint office. This officer incharge of confirming luggage ownership would provide you with directives on how to make a complaint.

How does passport control work for international arrivals?

For Margaret Ekpo International Airport arrivals, passengers coming from Accra, Monrovia or London must proceed through passport control before collecting their baggage. Have your passport and any required visa documentation ready for inspection. After clearing immigration, you can proceed to the baggage claim area and then through customs.

What if I have a layover at Calabar International Airport?

Cases of layovers at Calabar airport are usually rare. However, there’s a chance that flight cancellation may be announced very late, which could possibly leave you stranded as Calabar airport doesn’t have accommodations for situations like this.

Booking a nearby hotel would be the next best option to ensure you get a deserving rest.

What are the nearest hotels to Calabar Airport?

The nearest hotels to Calabar International airport include Tourist Castles Luxury and Suites, Hogis Luxury Suites, etc.

These hotels are relatively close to Calabar Airport, where you can lodge prior to your flight day so you don’t miss your early morning flight. In cases of late arrivals or late cancellation announcements, these hotels are there to serve you relaxation and comfort.  

Here’s a list of the nearest hotels to Calabar Airport so you can find the best option that suits your budget and amenity preference:

Tourist Castles Luxury Suites

The Tourist Castle Hotel is located 3 minutes away from the Margaret Ekpo International Airport premises. The hotel promises a comfortable experience of a spacious room with really nice meals. 

Hogis Luxury Suites

This is another luxury hotel located 12 minutes away from Calabar Airport, with rooms starting at NGN 40,000. This hotel provides optimal security, spacious rooms, fine dining, a gym, and a swimming pool.

Other hotels around Calabar International airport

Some other hotels you can access at lower rates include Xcape Hotels and Suites, Doris O Hotel, Kopperkettle Hotel, Delve Hotel, Marian Hotels Limited, etc. Although Google Maps makes it easy to access these hotels, their reviews are not particularly positive. Therefore, you can make a fair option for passing the night before continuing your journey.

What should I know about exploring Calabar?

Calabar is a beautiful city that attracts many tourists to the state, especially during the popular Calabar Carnival happening every December. Everyone in and out of Calabar knows about this event, but the state has many beautiful places to visit too.

What is the history of Calabar?

Calabar is one of Nigeria’s oldest cities and home to several ethnic groups, primarily the Efik, Qua, and Efut peoples, each with rich cultural traditions. Modern Calabar is known for its cleanliness, organization, and cultural festivals, particularly the Calabar Carnival (often called Africa’s Biggest Street Party), which began in 2004.

The city has been developed as a tourist destination in recent decades, with attractions including the Slave History Museum, the Old Residency Museum, and the Calabar Marina. Calabar is renowned for its pepper soup, particularly with goat meat or catfish. Afang soup, made with the afang leaf and waterleaf, is one of the most popular dishes from the region.

Trying the local food is considered an essential part of experiencing Calabar’s culture for any visitor. While English is widely spoken, Efik is the predominant local language with its rich linguistic traditions. Furthermore, beyond Watt Market, there are other vibrant markets like Marian Market that showcase local commerce and crafts.

What are popular tourist attractions near Calabar Airport?

There aren’t many popular tourist attractions immediately adjacent to Margaret Ekpo International Airport, as it’s located in a less developed area north of the city. However, within a relatively short drive from the airport, you can visit:

• Slave Trade Museum—Located in Duke Town, Calabar, this museum captures the past lives of slaves during their time with the colonial masters. You can also view their relics here, which include the shackles and chains used on them, as well as a diagrammatic representation of the activities they endured.
• Kwa Waterfall—This is a beautiful sight to behold and a very serene place to visit if you want that connection with nature. The Kwa waterfall is located in Anegeje village, within the Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. The waterfall is one of the best tourist sites in Calabar and can be accessed through public transportation and motorcycles.
• Obudu Mountain Resort—This place presents a full experience and is very ideal if you have a few days to spare and enjoy a getaway at the resort. Going to Obudu from Calabar airport is farther than going from Enugu airport. However, there, you’ll get to enjoy the view of the holy mountain, the Becheve nature reserve, the grotto, the presidential villa, the Nella waterfall, and the Mile 1 viewpoint.
• Drill Ranch—This is another fascinating tourist site where endangered species like the short-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas are found. This is not something you see on a daily basis in Calabar, and so people visit this place to enjoy the displays of animals around the ranch.

Most of these attractions are located in or near downtown Calabar rather than by the airport itself. You’ll need to take a taxi or arrange other transportation from the airport to reach these sites, with travel times ranging from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Is Calabar safe for tourists?

Calabar is generally considered one of the safer cities in Nigeria for tourists. It has a reputation for being more orderly, cleaner, and better maintained than many other Nigerian cities.

Of course, this doesn’t stop you from applying the necessary safety tips during your stay in the state. Avoid displaying valuables openly, use registered taxis rather than unmarked vehicles, stay in established accommodations and be cautious when moving around at night.

Common questions about Calabar Airport

Is Calabar Airport open?

Yes, Calabar Airport is open and fully operational from sunrise to sunset daily.

Why is Calabar International Airport called CBQ?

CBQ is the IATA (International Air Transport Association) airport code assigned to Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar. 

When was Margaret Ekpo International Airport built?

The Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar was built in the 1980s. It was initially constructed as a domestic airport to serve the Cross River State region. Over the years, it has undergone some renovations and upgrades and was later renamed after Margaret Ekpo, a prominent Nigerian women’s rights activist and politician from Calabar, to honor her contributions to Nigerian politics and women’s empowerment.

How many airports are there in Calabar?

Calabar has only one airport: Margaret Ekpo International Airport. 

Which terminal is Air Peace at Calabar Airport in?

Air Peace has her terminal in the main hall of the one terminal building of Calabar Airport.

How many runways does Margaret Ekpo International Airport have?

There’s only one runway at Calabar Airport, which is used for taxiing, takeoff, and landing purposes. 

How far is Watt Market Area from Calabar Airport?

Watt Market Area, located in the center of Calabar, is 12 minutes away from Calabar Airport.