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Cotonou Airport
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Landmark
Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport, officially named Cardinal Bernardin Gantin Airport, is the primary international gateway to Benin. Located in the Cadjehoun district of Cotonou, it serves as a central hub for air passenger and cargo traffic in West Africa. The airport was renamed in 2008 to honor Cardinal Gantin, a prominent Beninese prelate who held high-ranking positions in the Catholic Church. Operating under the IATA code COO, it connects Benin to numerous destinations across Africa and Europe. In recent years, significant modernization projects have been undertaken to expand its capacity and improve passenger facilities. The airport's location within the city limits allows for quick access to business districts but also limits long-term physical expansion. It is vital for the nation's economic growth, facilitating international trade and tourism. Beyond commercial flights, the airport is a logistics base for diplomatic missions and regional aid transport. The terminal reflects the increasing importance of Cotonou as a regional economic and political center.
- Location: Benin
- Top sights: Galérie Nour · Place Calvaire · La galerie nationale
- Nearby: Azizakouè (40 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 21 | 33 | 78 | 119 | 174 | 216 | 165 | 93 | 198 | 172 | 55 | 20 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The airport can be used by travelers, with access limited to passengers with valid tickets. Public areas like the departure hall are accessible to everyone.
Typical hours
The airport is open 24/7, but counters and shops have varying hours depending on the flight schedule. It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
Photography
Photography is allowed in public areas, but not at security checks or in sensitive zones. Photographing aircraft from the terminal is usually permitted.
Time needed
Time at the airport depends on the flight schedule, but allow at least 2 hours for check-in and security. For layovers, 1 to 2 hours is usually sufficient.
Combine with
Combine arrival or departure with a visit to Cotonou, known for its beaches and the Dantokpa market. The city is about 20 minutes from the airport.
Getting there
The airport is located about 5 kilometers west of downtown Cotonou and is accessible by taxi or bus. There is a taxi stand directly in front of the terminal.
Insider tip
Exchange money at the airport as rates are often better than in the city. Keep an eye on your valuables, especially in busy departure areas.
Geography
Facts
- The airport was officially renamed after Cardinal Gantin in 2008.
- Its international IATA code is COO.
- It serves as the main entry point for international tourists and investors.
- The airport is located approximately 5 km from Cotonou's city center.
- It handles approximately 500,000 passengers annually.
- Plans are underway to replace it with a larger airport at Glo-Djigbé.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Cotonou Airport (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How far is the airport from the city center?
The airport is located about 5 km west of Cotonou's center, reachable in 15-20 minutes.
Are there currency exchange offices at the airport?
Yes, there are banks and exchange offices in the terminal that exchange Euro and Dollars for CFA francs.
What transportation options are there to the city?
Taxis and Zemidjans (motorcycle taxis) are available in front of the arrivals area.
Is Cadjehoun airport modern?
It is a smaller but efficient international airport with basic amenities.
How long before the flight should I be there?
For international flights, it is recommended to be at check-in 3 hours before departure.
Cotonou Airport: where is it located?
Cotonou Airport is located in Benin.
Cotonou Airport: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galérie Nour, Place Calvaire, La galerie nationale.
Cotonou Airport: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Cotonou Airport: why is it worth visiting?
Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport, officially named Cardinal Bernardin Gantin Airport, is the primary international gateway to Benin.
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History & landmarks
Fiftieth Anniversary Bridge
A modern bridge in Cotonou inaugurated for the 50th anniversary of independence, improving traffic flow.
Congress Palace of Cotonou
A major venue for international conferences, cultural events, and political gatherings in Benin.
Bulgaria Square
A notable plaza in Cotonou that commemorates international cooperation during the socialist era.
Presidential Palace
Official office and residence of the President of the Republic of Benin, known as the Palais de la Marina.
Red Star Place
A prominent public square in Cotonou featuring a large red star monument, built during Benin's Marxist-Leninist period in the 1970s.
Friendship Stadium
The largest stadium in Benin, located in Cotonou, serving as the main venue for national football matches and major cultural events.
Martyrs' Square
A monument and square in Cotonou dedicated to the victims of the 1977 mercenary attack on Benin.
Cotonou Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse in the port of Cotonou that has guided ships along the Gulf of Guinea for decades.
Nature
More places
Magic Park Cotonou
A popular family entertainment and amusement park in Cotonou, offering rides, games, and leisure activities for children.
🗺️
Fishing Port of Cotonou
The center of Benin's fishing industry, where hundreds of pirogues and trawlers land their catch daily.
Dahomey Amazon Monument
A massive statue in Cotonou honoring the legendary female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey.
SOBEBRA Brewery Cotonou
Benin's leading brewery, producing a variety of beers and soft drinks for the entire West African market.
Festi'Parc Cotonou
A modern recreational park and event venue in Cotonou, frequently used for festivals, concerts, and outdoor community gatherings.
Cotonou Petroleum Terminal
A strategic facility for the import and storage of fuels, serving Benin and neighboring countries.
Gulf of Guinea
The Gulf of Guinea forms the entire southern coast of Benin and is part of the tropical Atlantic Ocean.
Bight of Benin
The Bight of Benin is a large bay in the northern part of the Gulf of Guinea, where Benin is located.