Last checked: November 2026
Most flights to Benin land at Bernardin Gantin Airport (COO), also called Cadjehoun Airport, in Cotonou, the only main international gateway. Nonstop routes include Paris, Brussels, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Istanbul and several West African cities. Travellers from North America, the UK, the Middle East and Asia usually connect through a European, Moroccan, Ethiopian or Turkish hub.
Which airport do you fly into?
The airport sits inside Cotonou, in the Cadjehoun district, about 1.6 km from the centre according to a hotel directory. Benin’s government shortened its official name to Bernardin Gantin Airport in December 2025, but airlines and booking sites still use Cotonou, Cadjehoun and COO. We could not confirm regular scheduled passenger flights to other airports, so plan on arriving in Cotonou.
Airlines and routes to Cotonou
| From | Options reported | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Air France to Charles de Gaulle, and Corsair to Orly | Nonstop to Cotonou |
| Brussels | Brussels Airlines | Nonstop to Cotonou |
| Casablanca | Royal Air Maroc | A common hub for travellers from North America and Asia |
| Addis Ababa | Ethiopian Airlines | A common hub for East Africa, the Middle East and Asia |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | Check the current schedule |
| Abidjan, Lomé, Lagos and other West African cities | Air Côte d’Ivoire, ASKY, Air Peace and others | Useful regional links |
Route maps and Expedia list airlines including Air France, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, ASKY and Air Côte d’Ivoire. Airlines add and drop routes, and published flight times differ by source, so confirm the schedule and duration on the airline’s site before you book.
How to get from the airport to your hotel
- Hotel pickup: the simplest choice for a first arrival with luggage. Book it in advance.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: available in Cotonou. Agree the fare or use an app before you start.
- Zemidjan: motorbike taxis are fast but not ideal with luggage.
The airport is about 34 km from Ouidah, 31 km from Porto-Novo and 11 km from Abomey-Calavi, according to a hotel directory. See the where to stay in Benin guide to match your base to your route, and the getting around Benin guide for onward travel after you land.
Choose your route
- Choose a nonstop from Paris or Brussels if you want the shortest journey and a single airline for the whole trip.
- Choose a connection through Casablanca, Addis Ababa or Istanbul if your home airport has no direct link to Europe, or if a connecting fare suits you better.
- Choose a regional connection through Lomé or Abidjan if you are already travelling in West Africa.
Common mistakes
- Booking separate tickets on different airlines with a short connection, which can leave you without protection if the first flight is late.
- Arriving without a printed eVisa approval, which the airline may ask to see at check-in.
- Planning an early onward trip to Ouidah or Abomey on the day you land, after a late arrival.
Time zone
Benin uses West Africa Time, UTC+1, all year. In winter it is one hour ahead of London and six hours ahead of New York. In summer it matches London and is five hours ahead of New York.
Booking tips
- Compare Paris and Brussels nonstops with cheaper connections through Casablanca or Addis Ababa.
- Check transit visa rules for your connection airport.
- Airlines sometimes ask for a return or onward ticket before boarding, so book one before you fly.
- Apply for the eVisa at least 7 days before travel. See the Benin visa guide for tourists.
- For Vodun Days, which run from 2 to 9 January 2027, book flights early.
- Use flexible fares if you are travelling in the wet season.
Before You Fly checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Approved eVisa, printed and on your phone
- Return or onward ticket
- Hotel booking or host address
- Yellow fever card, even though the Ministry of Health says certificates are not checked at entry
- Travel insurance that covers your route, and a check of the latest advisories
- A pre-booked airport pickup
- Some local currency or a plan for payments, because the West African CFA franc is the local money
3 quick answers
Are there nonstop flights from the US or Canada?
We could not confirm any. Most itineraries from North America connect through Europe, Casablanca or Addis Ababa.
Is there a nonstop flight from Brussels?
Yes, Brussels Airlines is reported to fly Brussels to Cotonou. Published flight times differ by source, so check the duration on the airline’s schedule.
Which airport do I use for Ouidah?
Fly into Bernardin Gantin Airport in Cotonou. Ouidah is about 34 km away and about an hour by road.
Flight Deals
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FAQs
Do airlines check my eVisa before boarding?
Often, yes. Airlines check entry documents before departure, so carry a printed eVisa and your return or onward ticket. Keep them in your hand luggage.
Is Cadjehoun the same as Cotonou airport?
Yes. Cadjehoun is the district of Cotonou where the airport stands, and the airport’s official name is now Bernardin Gantin Airport, with the code COO. Airline and booking sites may list it under any of these names.
Can I connect through Lomé?
Yes, regional airlines such as ASKY link Lomé and Cotonou, according to route maps. Check transit and baggage rules, and book a single ticket if you can.
