Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC) Guide 2026
Port Harcourt International Airport (IATA: PHC, ICAO: DNPO) serves Nigeria's oil capital and the Niger Delta region. Located at Omagwa, 36 km from Port Harcourt city centre, the airport handles both domestic and international flights. Port Harcourt is the centre of Nigeria's petroleum industry, making the airport a key gateway for oil and gas industry workers, business travellers, and visitors to the Niger Delta.
Airport Overview
| IATA Code | PHC |
| Location | Omagwa, Rivers State |
| Distance to City Centre | 36 km to Port Harcourt |
| Terminals | 2 (Domestic and International) |
| Annual Passengers | ~1.5 million |
| Runways | 1 (3,000m) |
| Operator | Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) |
| Elevation | 26 metres (87 ft) |
Getting There & Away
| Transport | Destination | Cost (NGN) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | PH City Centre | N5,000-12,000 | 40-60 min | Negotiate at taxi stand |
| Uber/Bolt | PH City Centre | N3,500-8,000 | 40-60 min | Available; check coverage |
| Airport Taxi | GRA / Trans Amadi | N4,000-8,000 | 30-45 min | Main business/hotel area |
| Company Vehicle | Various | Free | Varies | Most oil companies arrange transfers |
| Car Hire | Self-drive | N20,000-50,000/day | N/A | Limited options at airport |
The East-West Road connects the airport to Port Harcourt. Traffic can be heavy around Eleme junction during peak hours.
Terminal Facilities
International Terminal
- Lounges: VIP lounge available ($25-35 per visit)
- Food & Drink: Basic restaurant and snack bars
- Shopping: Limited duty-free, convenience stores
- WiFi: Available but connectivity can be inconsistent
- ATMs: GTBank, First Bank, Access Bank
- Prayer Room: Available
Domestic Terminal
- Renovated terminal with improved passenger facilities
- Fast food outlets and convenience stores
- Separate check-in for each airline
Port Harcourt Airport has more basic facilities than Lagos or Abuja. Bring snacks and entertainment for potential delays.
Immigration & Visa on Arrival
The same Nigerian visa on arrival process applies:
- Apply online at portal.immigration.gov.ng at least 48 hours before travel
- Receive approval letter by email
- Present at VoA desk with passport, photos, return ticket
- Pay visa fee ($20-80)
ECOWAS citizens enter visa-free. Immigration processing at Port Harcourt is generally faster than Lagos due to lower passenger volumes.
Customs & Declaration
- Currency: Up to $10,000 without declaration
- Alcohol: 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
- Oil industry equipment: Company import documentation required for specialised equipment
- Prohibited: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, firearms without permit
Currency Exchange & SIM Cards
Currency Exchange
- Bureau de Change: Limited options at the airport; rates may be less competitive than Lagos
- ATMs: Available in both terminals dispensing Naira
- Tip: Exchange money in Lagos or Abuja if transiting; better rates available in PH city centre
SIM Cards
| Operator | SIM Cost | 1GB Data | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | N500 | N350 | Best in Niger Delta |
| Airtel | N500 | N300 | Good in PH city |
| Glo | N500 | N200 | Patchy outside city |
Airlines Operating at Port Harcourt
| Airline | Destinations | Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopian Airlines | Addis Ababa | International |
| EgyptAir | Cairo | International |
| Kenya Airways | Nairobi | International |
| Air Peace | Lagos, Abuja, Accra | Both |
| Ibom Air | Lagos, Abuja, Uyo | Domestic |
| United Nigeria Airlines | Lagos, Abuja, Enugu | Domestic |
| Azman Air | Lagos, Abuja, Kano | Domestic |
Accommodation Near the Airport
Mid-Range & Upscale
- Novotel Port Harcourt — GRA, 30 km from airport, 4-star business hotel ($120-200/night)
- Le Meridien Ogeyi Place — Trans Amadi, popular with oil industry ($100-180/night)
- Golden Tulip Port Harcourt — City centre, modern facilities ($80-140/night)
Budget
- Swiss Spirit Hotel — GRA, good value ($50-80/night)
- Juanita Hotel — Near airport road, basic but clean ($25-45/night)
- BON Hotel Grand Towers — Trans Amadi, reliable chain ($40-65/night)
Tips for Travellers
Arrival Tips
- If visiting for the oil industry, your company will likely arrange transport and accommodation
- Port Harcourt is hot and humid year-round — temperatures average 25-33°C
- Use registered taxis or arrange pickup in advance
- Keep copies of your documents — immigration may check at city checkpoints
Departure Tips
- Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights
- Flight delays are common — confirm your flight status before leaving your hotel
- Airport facilities are basic; bring food and water for long waits
Transit Tips
- Most international connections require transiting through Lagos or Abuja
- If connecting, book with the same airline for smoother transfers
- Port Harcourt has limited international routes — plan connections carefully
Frequently Asked Questions
The airport is 36 km from Port Harcourt city centre. Taxis cost N5,000-12,000 and take 40-60 minutes. Uber and Bolt are available at lower rates. Most oil company visitors have arranged private transfers.
International airlines include Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Kenya Airways. Domestic carriers include Air Peace, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, and Azman Air serving Lagos, Abuja, and other Nigerian cities.
The airport itself is safe with police and security presence. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than unofficial transport. Most business travellers use company-arranged vehicles for added security.
Yes, VIP lounges are available in both terminals. Access costs $25-35 per visit or is included with certain airline tickets and loyalty programmes.
Yes, apply online at portal.immigration.gov.ng at least 48 hours before travel. ECOWAS nationals enter visa-free. The VoA desk is located before immigration in the international terminal.