Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (DNKN)
Large airport · Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
Airport data
| Name | Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport |
|---|---|
| ICAO | DNKN |
| IATA | KAN |
| Elevation | 1,562 ft (476 m) above mean sea level |
| Coordinates | N 12°2'44" E 8°31'25" 12.04561, 8.52357 |
| Location | Kano, Kano State, Nigeria |
| Scheduled service | Yes |
Runways
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 8,040 ft (2451 m) | 148 ft | ASP | Yes |
| 06/24 | 10,831 ft (3301 m) | 197 ft | ASP | Yes |
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at a glance
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is a large airport in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria, known to airline systems as KAN. The field elevation of 1,562 ft (476 m) is the number every arriving pilot dials against QNH — circuit heights and initial approach altitudes at DNKN are all figured from it. The airport handles scheduled commercial service, so expect controlled procedures, published approaches and commercial traffic in the pattern.
Of its 2 runways, the longest — 06/24 — offers 10,831 ft (3301 m) of asp surface, with runway lighting for night operations. Runway numbers give magnetic orientation: runway 06 points roughly 60° magnetic.
For the weather side of planning, the live METAR and TAF page for DNKN 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 Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
Distances are great-circle, measured from the field reference point — planning distances along airways or roads will run longer.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Zaria Airport | DNZA | 137 km (74 NM) |
| Umaru Musa Yar'adua Airport | DNKT | 142 km (77 NM) |
| Zinder Airport | DRZR | 199 km (107 NM) |
| Gusau Airport | DNGU | 199 km (107 NM) |
| Kaduna International Airport | DNKA | 199 km (107 NM) |
Flight-planning notes for Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
Density altitude is the quiet performance-killer at any field: on a hot day the 1,562 ft field elevation of Mallam Aminu Kano 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 Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
What is the ICAO code of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport?
The ICAO identifier of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is DNKN, and its IATA code is KAN. The ICAO code is the one used in flight plans, METAR reports and aeronautical charts.
How high is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport above sea level?
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport sits at an elevation of 1,562 feet (476 metres) above mean sea level. Field elevation is the reference for pattern altitudes and for setting the altimeter on the ground.
Where exactly is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport located?
The airport lies at 12.0456, 8.5236 — in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria, in the northern hemisphere. The closest listed field is Zaria Airport, about 137 km away.
Does DNKN publish METAR weather reports?
Where the station reports, the current METAR and TAF for DNKN 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 Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport?
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport has 2 runways. The longest, 06/24, measures 10,831 ft (3301 m) with a ASP surface.