Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (Owerri airport, QOW)
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Ngor Okpala serves Owerri, Aba and Umuahia, with flights to Lagos and Abuja. The cheapest one-way fare SkyKoda found from Owerri was ₦112,288 to Lagos.
Latest: The Federal Government announced that Owerri airport would close for about 25 days from 20 October 2026 for runway repairs and extension. Airlines are moving passengers to Port Harcourt and Enugu. FAAN said exact dates are set by official notice (NOTAM), so check with your airline before you book or travel in November.
About Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport
The airport is run by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Before the October 2026 closure about 2,200 passengers a day used it, on about nine daily flights to Lagos and Abuja by Air Peace, ValueJet, Enugu Air and United Nigeria Airlines.
The 2026 works resurface and extend the runway so that wide-body aircraft can use it. On 9 May 2025 an Air Peace Boeing 777 Hajj charter to Medina became the first international flight in the airport's history.
- Airport code
- QOW
- Location
- Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State
- Operator
- FAAN
- Status
- Closed for runway works from 20 Oct 2026 (about 25 days)
Getting to Owerri airport
Taxis at FAAN airports work through FAAN's official taxi rank system (ACHRAMS); agree the fare before you set off. FAAN suspended ride-hailing at its airports on 30 July 2026; Bolt was cleared to return in late August 2026, and Uber stopped operating in Nigeria on 2 September 2026.
Flights from Owerri airport
| To | From | Cheapest with | Flight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lagos | ₦112,288 | Air Peace | Nonstop, 1h | See fares |
| Abuja | ₦112,288 | Air Peace | Nonstop, 1h | See fares |
Flights to Owerri airport
Airlines at Owerri airport
Airlines with fares from or to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in SkyKoda's latest checks: Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines. Other airlines may fly here without selling through SkyKoda. See all airlines in Nigeria.
Tips for Owerri airport
- During the closure, ask your airline to rebook you or move you to Port Harcourt or Enugu; expect about 3 extra hours by road from those airports.
- Check with your airline before booking a mid-November flight; the reopening date is set by official notice.
- After an Ebola case was confirmed in Abuja in October 2026, FAAN increased health surveillance at all airports. Expect health screening and follow instructions from Port Health officials.
Questions about Owerri airport
What is the airport code for Owerri airport?
Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport has the IATA airport code QOW.
Is Owerri airport closed?
The Federal Government announced a closure of about 25 days from 20 October 2026 for runway repairs and extension. Airlines are rerouting passengers through Port Harcourt and Enugu. Check with your airline for the reopening date.
Which airlines fly to Owerri?
Before the October 2026 closure, Air Peace, ValueJet, Enugu Air and United Nigeria Airlines flew between Owerri and Lagos or Abuja.
Which airlines fly from Owerri airport?
In SkyKoda's latest fare checks, airlines with flights from or to Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport included Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines. Search your date to see every airline you can book.
How much is a flight from Owerri airport?
The cheapest one-way fare SkyKoda found from Owerri was ₦112,288 to Lagos with Air Peace. Fares change daily, so search your date for today's price.
Find a flight from Owerri or book on WhatsApp
Sources
Airport facts checked on 27 October 2026. Airports change terminals, schedules and rules; check with your airline before you travel. Fares come from SkyKoda's own searches.
- Vanguard, Oct 2026: Owerri airport to close for 25 days
- BusinessDay, Oct 2026: airlines and the closure
- Aviation Metric: airlines divert to Port Harcourt and Enugu
- Air Peace: first international flight from Owerri
- Brandspur, Aug 2026: Bolt and airport taxis
- Nairametrics, Oct 2026: FAAN health surveillance
