QOW · DNIM · Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW)

Owerri, Nigeria · medium airport · 5.427° 7.206° ·
Airport Information
IATA CodeQOW
ICAO CodeDNIM
Typemedium airport
NameSam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport
MunicipalityOwerri
CountryNigeria
ContinentAF
Latitude5.427° N
Longitude7.206° E
Elevation373 ft
Climate ZoneTropical
Scheduled ServiceYes
Score550
Local TimeLoading...
Country & Timezone Info
CountryNigeria
ISO Code
RegionOwerri
Continent CodeAF
IANA TimezoneAfrica/Lagos
UTC Offset (Standard)UTC+1
DST OffsetUTC+1
Current Offset--

🌬 Best Time to Fly

Recommended: November – February
Cooler dry season across Africa
Loading season...
Dry: Nov–FebWet: Mar–Oct

✈ Airlines Serving QOW

ET — Ethiopian AirlinesMS — EgyptAirSA — South African AirwaysKQ — Kenya Airways

🌡 Climate — Tropical (5.4°N)

Jan
30°
22°
Feb
30°
22°
Mar
31°
22°
Apr
31°
23°
May
31°
23°
Jun
31°
23°
Jul
30°
22°
Aug
30°
22°
Sep
30°
22°
Oct
30°
22°
Nov
30°
22°
Dec
30°
22°
* Approximate average temperatures by month based on tropical latitude zone

AI-Enhanced Insights

Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (QOW/DNIM) serves Owerri, the capital of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. Originally known as Owerri Airport, it was renamed in honor of Sam Mbakwe, a former civilian governor of Imo State who championed its development. The facility handles both scheduled passenger flights and cargo operations, serving as an important aviation gateway for the Igbo-speaking southeastern region.

💡 Local Tip
If you have a connecting flight, Owerri's airport is relatively compact with one terminal, so security and boarding processes typically go quickly. However, keep some local cash handy, as some vendors and ground transport services may not accept card payments.
🚖 Getting There

Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most common ways to reach the airport from Owerri. Pre-arranging airport pickup through your hotel or a trusted local driver is recommended, as local taxi availability near the terminal can be inconsistent. Allow extra time during rainy season, as road conditions on the route to the airport can deteriorate significantly.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is the airport from Owerri city center?
A: The airport is located approximately 15-20 km southeast of Owerri's central business district, with typical travel times of 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Q: Which airlines operate from Sam Mbakwe International Airport?
A: The airport primarily serves domestic Nigerian carriers including Air Peace, Arik Air, and Dana Air, with flights to Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

Q: Does the airport have international flights?
A: The airport has international-capable facilities but currently focuses mainly on domestic passenger traffic and cargo operations, despite its 'international' designation.

Q: Is there a cargo terminal at the airport?
A: Yes, the airport features dedicated cargo handling facilities consistent with its 'International Cargo Airport' designation, supporting trade in the southeastern region.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 29, 2026 · MiniMax-M3

🗺 Location Map

🌏 Nearby Airports (Top 5)

IATANameCity / CountryDistance (km)Distance (mi)Link
PHC Port Harcourt International Airport Port Harcourt, Nigeria 53.9 km 33.5 mi View →
PHG Port Harcourt City Airport / Port Harcourt Air Force Base Port Harcourt, Nigeria 67.8 km 42.1 mi View →
ABB Asaba International Airport Asaba, Nigeria 105.1 km 65.3 mi View →
QUO Akwa Ibom International Airport Uyo, Nigeria 116.0 km 72.1 mi View →
ENU Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enegu, Nigeria 122.8 km 76.3 mi View →

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