Coo Airport Cotonou Benin Travel Information

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Airplane Parked at the Airport Apron
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Coo Airport is the main international airport serving Cotonou, Benin. It's located about 3 kilometers from the city center.

The airport is open 24/7 for arrivals and departures. You can fly into Coo Airport from various destinations in West Africa and Europe.

If you're traveling to Cotonou, it's a good idea to research the visa requirements for Benin in advance. Some nationalities may need a visa to enter the country.

Airport Basics

Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport is located in Cotonou, Benin, and its IATA code is COO. The airport is situated at Rue 2100, Cotonou, Benin.

The airport's ICAO code is AFL, and it's an international airport, serving flights from various airlines. Aeroflot Airlines operates flights from Terminal 1.

Here's a list of the airport's basic information:

You can contact Aeroflot Airlines at their official website https://www.aeroflot.ru/us-en, email [email protected], or phone number +7 472 223-57-77.

Infrastructure

The Cotonou International Airport in Benin has undergone significant renovation work, particularly on the former parking area, which took place between May and September 2013.

Credit: youtube.com, Cotonou Benin Republic International Airport (Exploring West Africa’s Gateway to Adventure/Culture)

However, some of the renovation work is still ongoing, and the airport's car park routes and wide-body aircraft positions need to be finalized.

The new arrival hall finally opened in early December 2017, after a delay of over a year.

Despite the progress, there are still some issues with the airport's equipment, including recurring breakdowns of the X-Ray emergency scanners.

Here's a breakdown of the airport's infrastructure:

The airport's airfield and equipment are well maintained, with accessible sanitary facilities, shops, parking, refreshments, and air-conditioned halls available for passengers.

Passenger Experience

At Cotonou Coo Airport, passengers can enjoy a relatively smooth and hassle-free experience. The airport's small size and low traffic make it an efficient and quick way to travel.

Security checks are minimal, allowing passengers to breeze through with ease.

The airport's small size also means there are limited dining and shopping options, but you can still find some basic amenities to grab a bite or pick up some essentials.

Cafes and Restaurants

Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Airport

You'll find a variety of cafes and restaurants at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport to satisfy your cravings during your travel.

Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport offers restaurants and cafes, including well-known chains like Starbucks and LINA'S Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport T1 2nd Branch.

In addition to these popular options, you can also try ANGELINUS, Pascucci Cafe, STAR FIVE, Dunkin' Coffee House, and Angel-in-us Coffee for a taste of something different.

These establishments cater to a range of tastes and preferences by offering a selection of food and beverages to travelers.

You can find these cafes and restaurants in the Aeroflot Airlines COO Terminal.

Assistance

At Cadjehoun airport, assistance services are available to make your travel experience smoother and more comfortable. Jodogo offers meet-and-greet services, lounge access, and a luxurious limousine for added comfort during your airport transfer.

You'll be greeted at the arrival gate and assisted with post-immigration formalities, including wheelchair assistance if needed. Porter service is also available to help with your luggage.

Explore the breathtaking interior design of Jewel Changi Airport with its iconic waterfall and lush greenery.
Credit: pexels.com, Explore the breathtaking interior design of Jewel Changi Airport with its iconic waterfall and lush greenery.

Check-in is made easier with assistance at the designated counter, and you'll enjoy fast-track through immigration. Priority boarding is also included, so you can get settled on your flight quickly.

Assistance with baggage handling and expedited service through security ensure that you're on your way to your gate in no time. Here are some of the assistance services you can expect:

  • Meet and greet at arrival gate
  • Meet and greet post-immigration
  • Wheelchair assistance
  • Porter service
  • Assistance at check-in
  • Fast track through immigration
  • Priority boarding
  • Assistance with baggage handling
  • Expedited service through security

Additionally, you'll have assistance for terminal transfer, including an escort until car pickup, and liaison with the driver. Escort services are also available until departure gate, as well as buggy transfer and expedited service through immigration.

Check Counter

The check-in counters at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport are spread across multiple floors, depending on the terminal.

You can find the check-in counters for Terminal 1 on the fourth floor of the South Wing, while Terminal 1's counters are located on the second floor of the same wing.

Aeroflot Airlines has its check-in counters at the airport, where you can check your bags, get your boarding pass, and even buy tickets.

These counters usually open two and a half hours before the scheduled departure time, giving you plenty of time to get everything sorted before your flight.

Operating Details

Credit: youtube.com, Takeoff from Cotonou, Benin (COO/DBBB)

Cotonou Airport is managed by Paris International Airport (PIA), which was authorized by the Beninese Government to negotiate for the management of the airport.

The airport has a maximum sized aircraft that can be offloaded on bulk cargo, which is the AN 124 100/200. This is a significant capacity, allowing for large cargo planes to be handled efficiently.

The total aircraft parking area at Cotonou Airport is 32,000 square meters, providing ample space for planes to be parked and serviced.

Here are some key details about the cargo handling equipment available at the airport:

The airport's cargo handling equipment is a key advantage for cargo operations, allowing for efficient and safe handling of large cargo planes.

Navigation Charges

Navigation charges can be a significant expense for travelers and businesses alike. The authorities of the airport apply various charges to departing passengers.

For domestic flights, a charge of 1 700 XOF per departing passenger is applied. This is a flat fee that doesn't vary depending on the route or time of travel.

Credit: youtube.com, fliteGAINS - Airline Air Navigation Charges Optimization Service

For international flights, the charge is 10 000 XOF per departing passenger. This is a separate fee from the domestic flight charge and is also a flat rate.

In addition to these charges, a transportation charge of 8 350 XOF per passenger is applied. This fee covers the cost of getting passengers to and from the aircraft.

Domestic flights also incur a security charge of 1 000 XOF per passenger. This is a mandatory fee that's used to fund airport security measures.

International flights, on the other hand, incur a security charge of 5 200 XOF per passenger. This is a higher fee than the domestic security charge, reflecting the increased security requirements for international travel.

Here's a summary of the navigation charges for departing passengers:

  • Domestic flights: 1 700 XOF per passenger
  • International flights: 10 000 XOF per passenger
  • Transportation charge: 8 350 XOF per passenger
  • Domestic security charge: 1 000 XOF per passenger
  • International security charge: 5 200 XOF per passenger

Operating Details

Cotonou Airport is managed by Paris International Airport (PIA), which has been authorized by the Beninese Government to handle airport assets in the country.

The airport has a maximum sized aircraft that can be offloaded on bulk cargo, which is the AN 124 100/200. This is a significant capacity, allowing for large cargo shipments.

Close-up of a man in Cotonou thinking deeply, wearing a wristwatch and bracelet.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a man in Cotonou thinking deeply, wearing a wristwatch and bracelet.

The total aircraft parking area at the airport is 32,000 square meters, providing ample space for aircraft to park and be serviced.

The storage area at the airport is substantial, with a total capacity of 46,420 cubic meters. This will help to keep cargo and other items secure and organized.

Cargo handling equipment is available at the airport, including elevators and hi-loaders. These machines have a maximum capacity of 45 metric tons and can reach the upper level of a B747.

The airport also has loading ramps, making it easier to load and unload cargo and other items.

Here are the details of the cargo handling equipment available at the airport:

Aeroflot Airlines

Aeroflot Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport for its departure and arrival.

To ensure a smooth departure, it's recommended to arrive at Terminal 1 at least three hours and thirty minutes prior to the flight's scheduled departure time.

Credit: youtube.com, Full Approach, hold And Landing Cotonou Benin

Aeroflot Airlines has made it convenient for passengers with a range of services available at Terminal 1, including flight information displays, airport hotels, and ATMs and banks.

Here's a list of some of the services you can expect to find at Terminal 1:

  • Flight Information Displays
  • Airport Hotels
  • ATMs and Banks
  • Interfaith Chapel
  • Baggage Related Assistance
  • Charging Station
  • Ticket Counters
  • Medical Office
  • Travellers Aid
  • Immigration and customs
  • Airline Lounges
  • Vending Machines
  • Welcome Center
  • Food and Drink Options
  • Check-in Counters
  • Information Desks
  • Currency Exchange
  • Self-Service Kiosks
  • Mobile Charging Stations
  • Stores and Duty Free
  • Children’s play Area
  • Lost & Found Desk
  • Free WiFi Connection

Carriers for This Port

If you're planning a trip to Cadjehoun Airport, you'll be happy to know that there are several carriers that service this port.

Ethiopian Airlines is one of the carriers that fly into Cadjehoun Airport, with a departure frequency of every 1-2 days.

ASKY is another carrier that services this port, also with a departure frequency of every 1-2 days.

Afrijet Business Services, Air France, and Air Cote d'Ivoire all have a departure frequency of 2-4 times a week.

Air Senegal has a departure frequency of every 1-2 weeks, making it a good option for those who don't need to travel as frequently.

Here's a list of the carriers that service Cadjehoun Airport, ranked by their scheduled frequency into the port:

Aeroflot Airlines Terminal

People Standing Near Airport Departure Board
Credit: pexels.com, People Standing Near Airport Departure Board

Aeroflot Airlines operates out of Terminal 1 at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport for both departures and arrivals.

The terminal is equipped with various services, including baggage claim, customs, and passenger disembarkation.

To ensure a seamless boarding experience, it's advisable to arrive at Terminal 1 at least three hours and thirty minutes prior to the flight's scheduled departure time.

Travelers can check-in, drop off luggage, and pick up their boarding passes at the specified counters within Terminal 1.

Before proceeding to the departure area, travelers must pass through the Aeroflot Airlines Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport Terminal 1 security checkpoint.

Immigration and customs procedures are also completed in Terminal 1, including customs clearance and passport control.

Aeroflot Airlines manages all arrival processes, such as baggage claim, customs, and passenger disembarkation, at Terminal 1.

Here's a list of services available at Aeroflot Airlines Terminal 1 at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport:

  • Flight Information Displays
  • Airport Hotels
  • ATMs and Banks
  • Interfaith Chapel
  • Baggage Related Assistance
  • Charging Station
  • Ticket Counters
  • Medical Office
  • Travellers Aid
  • Immigration and customs
  • Airline Lounges
  • Vending Machines
  • Welcome Center
  • Food and Drink Options
  • Check-in Counters
  • Information Desks
  • Currency Exchange
  • Self-Service Kiosks
  • Mobile Charging Stations
  • Stores and Duty Free
  • Children’s play Area
  • Lost & Found Desk
  • Free WiFi Connection

Alternatives and Services

If you're looking for alternative airports near Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin, you have a few options.

A person enjoys a tranquil moment at the sandy beach of Ouidah, Benin at sunset.
Credit: pexels.com, A person enjoys a tranquil moment at the sandy beach of Ouidah, Benin at sunset.

Cadjehoun Airport is actually located in Cotonou, Benin, but if you're unable to fly out of there, there are nearby airports with regular departures.

Here are some alternative airports ranked from closest to farthest away:

  • LOS • 106km (Lagos, Nigeria)
  • LFW • 127km (Lomé, Togo)
  • ACC • 295km (Accra, Ghana)
  • ILR • 329km (Ilorin, Nigeria)

ATMs & Banks

Travelers can easily access banking services at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport thanks to the abundance of ATMs and bank branches run by significant Korean financial institutions.

The ATMs are open around-the-clock, guaranteeing that travelers with different flight schedules and needs can always access financial services.

Travelers arriving, leaving, or passing through the airport will find easy access thanks to the ATMs and bank branches located throughout the terminals.

Alternatives

If you're looking for alternative airports near Cadjehoun Airport, you have a few options.

One option is to fly out of LOS Airport, which is 106km away and has regular departures.

Another option is LFW Airport, which is 127km away and also has regular flights.

If you're willing to travel a bit farther, you can try ACC Airport, which is 295km away and still has regular departures.

If none of these options work for you, ILR Airport is another option, located 329km away with regular flights.

Here are some alternative airports near Cadjehoun Airport, ranked from closest to farthest away:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main airport in Benin?

The main airport in Benin is Cotonou-Cadjehoun Airport, located about 5km from downtown Cotonou. It's the country's only international airport and serves as the largest airport in Benin.

What is the port code for Cotonou Benin?

The port code for Cotonou, Benin is BJCOO. This is the official UN/LOCODE assigned to the port.

Kristin Waelchi

Senior Writer

Kristin Waelchi is a skilled writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a background in research and analysis, she brings a unique perspective to her writing, delving deep into complex topics and shedding light on the intricacies of the world around us. Kristin's expertise lies in crafting engaging articles that inform and educate readers on a wide range of subjects, including industrial facilities.

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