Where is lfw airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: LFW Airport is the IATA code for Lomé–Tokoin International Airport, located in Lomé, the capital city of Togo in West Africa. The airport is situated approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of Lomé's city center and serves as Togo's primary international gateway, handling over 1.2 million passengers annually.

Key Facts

LFW is the IATA code for Lomé–Tokoin International Airport in Togo
Located 5 km (3.1 miles) northeast of Lomé city center
Handles over 1.2 million passengers annually
Operates with a single 3,000-meter (9,843-foot) runway
Serves as the main hub for ASKY Airlines

Overview

LFW Airport, officially known as Lomé–Tokoin International Airport, serves as the primary international gateway to Togo, a West African nation bordered by Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. The airport's IATA code LFW originates from its location in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, which has a metropolitan population exceeding 1.8 million people. Originally developed during the French colonial period, the airport has undergone significant modernization to accommodate growing regional air traffic demands.

The airport's strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea makes it a crucial transportation hub for West Africa, connecting Togo to major destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Lomé–Tokoin International Airport operates 24 hours daily and serves as the main hub for ASKY Airlines, a regional carrier that connects 26 destinations across Africa. The airport's development has been closely tied to Togo's economic growth, with recent expansions focusing on improving passenger facilities and cargo handling capabilities.

How It Works

Lomé–Tokoin International Airport operates as a modern aviation facility with comprehensive infrastructure supporting both passenger and cargo operations.

Runway Operations: The airport features a single 3,000-meter (9,843-foot) runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft including Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s. The runway is equipped with Category I Instrument Landing System (ILS) and handles approximately 25,000 aircraft movements annually, with peak operations occurring during morning and evening hours.
Terminal Facilities: The main passenger terminal spans 28,000 square meters and includes 24 check-in counters, 8 boarding gates, and separate domestic and international sections. The terminal processes over 1.2 million passengers yearly, with capacity for 1,500 passengers during peak hours. Recent renovations completed in 2022 added modern security screening systems and expanded waiting areas.
Cargo Operations: The airport's cargo terminal handles approximately 15,000 tons of freight annually, specializing in perishable goods, textiles, and electronics. The facility includes 5,000 square meters of warehouse space with temperature-controlled zones and operates 24/7 to support Togo's growing export economy.
Airline Operations: LFW serves as the operational base for ASKY Airlines, which operates 12 aircraft from the airport and connects to 26 African destinations. The airport hosts 15 international airlines including Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, offering direct flights to 20 international destinations across three continents.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Lomé–Tokoin International Airport (LFW)	Kotoka International Airport (ACC)
Annual Passenger Traffic	1.2 million passengers	3 million passengers
Runway Length	3,000 meters (9,843 feet)	3,402 meters (11,161 feet)
Number of Terminals	1 main terminal	2 terminals
Primary Hub Status	Main hub for ASKY Airlines	Main hub for Africa World Airlines
Cargo Capacity	15,000 tons annually	50,000 tons annually
International Destinations	20 direct destinations	30 direct destinations

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: LFW Airport contributes approximately $150 million annually to Togo's economy through direct employment, tourism revenue, and cargo operations. The airport directly employs over 2,500 people and supports an additional 8,000 indirect jobs in related industries including hospitality, transportation, and logistics.
Regional Connectivity: As the main hub for ASKY Airlines, LFW provides essential air connectivity to 26 African destinations that otherwise lack direct international connections. This network facilitates business travel, medical tourism, and regional trade, with over 500,000 connecting passengers transiting through LFW annually.
Strategic Importance: The airport's 24-hour operation capability and modern facilities position Togo as a regional aviation leader in West Africa. LFW serves as an alternative hub during disruptions at larger regional airports and supports United Nations and humanitarian operations throughout the Sahel region.

Looking forward, Lomé–Tokoin International Airport is positioned for continued growth with planned expansions including a new terminal building scheduled for completion by 2026 that will increase annual capacity to 2.5 million passengers. The airport's development aligns with Togo's National Development Plan 2025, which aims to establish the country as a regional logistics and transportation hub. As West Africa's aviation sector continues to expand at approximately 6% annually, LFW's strategic location and modern infrastructure ensure it will remain a vital gateway connecting Togo to global markets while supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region.