Last reviewed: September 2026 · Flight Permit Guides
Operator summary
Foreign non-scheduled flights into Nigeria need prior permission before departure. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is the civil aviation regulator. Overflights of Nigerian airspace (Kano FIR, DNKK) also need permission. The exact documents depend on the aircraft, operator, route and purpose of flight.
| Regulator | Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) |
|---|---|
| Airspace | Kano FIR (DNKK) |
| Main international airports | Lagos (LOS/DNMM), Abuja (ABV/DNAA), Kano (KAN/DNKN), Port Harcourt (PHC/DNPO) |
| Needed for | Foreign non-scheduled landings and overflights |
| AAES support | 24/7 permit preparation, submission and follow-up from Nairobi |
Planning a flight to Nigeria? Send the aircraft, operator, full route, schedule, passenger or cargo details and the purpose of flight. AAES can prepare and follow up the request through our landing permit and overflight permit services.
Who regulates flight permits in Nigeria?
The NCAA regulates civil aviation in Nigeria. Operators should use its current channels and the Nigeria AIP to confirm what a flight needs. Some flights may also need approval from other government bodies. This depends on the flight purpose, passengers and payload.
Landing permit vs overflight permit
A landing permit lets the approved flight land in Nigeria under its conditions. An overflight permit covers transit through Nigerian airspace with no landing. If you add a stop in Nigeria later, the approval changes. Review it before departure.
Read overflight vs landing permits in Africa for the general difference.
Core documents
Have clear, valid copies ready. The usual pack includes:
- Certificate of Registration
- Certificate of Airworthiness
- Valid insurance certificate
- Noise certificate
- Air Operator Certificate, for commercial flights
- Crew licences and passports, if requested
The authority may ask for more. Expired or unclear documents are a common cause of delay.
Flight details to include
- Aircraft type, registration, MTOW and call sign
- Operator name and contact
- Full route with entry and exit points
- Dates and times in UTC
- Purpose of flight
- Passenger or cargo details
Commercial, cargo and special flights
Charter, cargo, medevac, humanitarian, survey and dangerous goods flights can need extra checks. Tell the coordinator the exact purpose and payload at the start. Do not call every non-routine flight a “special permit”.
Airports of entry
International flights normally use an airport with customs and immigration. The main ones are Lagos Murtala Muhammed (DNMM), Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe (DNAA), Kano Mallam Aminu Kano (DNKN) and Port Harcourt (DNPO). Confirm hours, handling and parking at the chosen airport. A permit does not confirm these.
Handling and fuel are separate
The permit is not a handling or fuel booking. Arrange ground handling and Jet A-1 fuel for each stop. Confirm supplier and payment before departure.
Changes and amendments
Changes to times, routing, aircraft or passengers can need an amendment. Send changes as early as possible. For multi-country trips, one change can affect several permits. See our multi-country flight planning guide.
Common mistakes
- Applying too late for the flight type
- Sending expired or unreadable documents
- Stating the wrong purpose of flight
- Assuming the permit covers handling or parking
- Changing the route without updating the permit
Read why flight permit delays happen in Africa for more.
FAQs: Nigeria landing permit
Who issues landing permits in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulates civil aviation and flight permissions. Some flights may also need other government approvals.
Do private jets need a permit to land in Nigeria?
Yes. Foreign non-scheduled flights, including private jets, need prior permission.
Do I need a permit to overfly Nigeria?
Yes. Transit through the Kano FIR (DNKK) needs overflight permission.
What documents are needed for a Nigeria landing permit?
Usually the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, insurance, noise certificate and, for commercial flights, the AOC. The authority may ask for more.
Which Nigerian airports handle international flights?
The main ones are Lagos (DNMM), Abuja (DNAA), Kano (DNKN) and Port Harcourt (DNPO).
Need 24/7 flight support in Kenya or across Africa?
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509