Margaret Ekpo International Airport (DNCA)
Medium airport · Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Airport data
| Name | Margaret Ekpo International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | DNCA |
| IATA | CBQ |
| Elevation | 210 ft (64 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 4°58'34" E 8°20'50" 4.97602, 8.34720 |
| Location | Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/21 | 8,040 ft (2451 m) | 148 ft | ASP | Yes |
Margaret Ekpo International Airport at a glance
Margaret Ekpo International Airport is a medium airport in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, known to airline systems as CBQ. The field elevation of 210 ft (64 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at DNCA are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
The single runway, 03/21, offers 8,040 ft (2451 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 03 points roughly 30° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for DNCA shows the current observation decoded line by line — wind on an instrument dial, visibility, cloud layers and the resulting flight rules — refreshed continuously from official sources.
Nearest airports to Margaret Ekpo International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Akwa Ibom International Airport | DNAI | 30 km (16 NM) |
| Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport | DNIM | 136 km (73 NM) |
| Malabo International Airport | FGSL | 142 km (77 NM) |
| Port Harcourt City Airport / Port Harcourt Air Force Base | DNPM | 148 km (80 NM) |
| Tiko Airport | FKKC | 149 km (80 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Margaret Ekpo International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 210 ft field elevation of Margaret Ekpo International Airport can translate into a substantially higher density altitude, stretching take-off rolls and flattening climb rates — run the numbers rather than trusting the feel of a standard day. Expect published instrument procedures, controlled airspace and clearance requirements; slots and handling may apply to general aviation traffic.
This entry is one of 29 airports and airfields we list for Nigeria — the country index on the airports hub links the rest. Coordinates above are given in both DMS and decimal degrees so they can go straight into a GPS, a flight planner or a chart plot without conversion.
Where this data comes from
The reference layer behind this page builds on the OurAirports dataset — a public-domain, community-maintained register of the world's airports that many flight planners and apps rely on — with equity records preserved from documented historical listings where the dataset is silent. Figures are carried as published: elevations as surveyed, coordinates as filed, runway dimensions as recorded. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap, and the whole layer regenerates from source on every site build, so corrections upstream arrive here automatically.
Frequently asked questions about Margaret Ekpo International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Margaret Ekpo International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Margaret Ekpo International Airport is DNCA, and its IATA code is CBQ. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Margaret Ekpo International Airport above sea level?
Margaret Ekpo International Airport sits at an elevation of 210 feet (64 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Margaret Ekpo International Airport located?
The airport lies at 4.9760, 8.3472 — in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Akwa Ibom International Airport, about 30 km away.
Does DNCA publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for DNCA appear on its live weather page on this site, refreshed continuously from the US NWS Aviation Weather Center feed.
How long is the runway at Margaret Ekpo International Airport?
Margaret Ekpo International Airport has one runway. The longest, 03/21, measures 8,040 ft (2451 m) with a ASP surface.