QOW - Sam Mbakwe International Airport
Imo, Nigeria
IATA Code: QOW · Imo, Nigeria
The airport code QOW is the IATA identifier for Sam Mbakwe International Airport. You may also find it referred to as Imo Airport (QOW).
Sam Mbakwe International Airport (QOW) serves Imo, Nigeria, in the Africa fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
QOW is the IATA airport code for Sam Mbakwe International Airport, located in Imo, Nigeria. The airport is situated at coordinates 5.4271°N, 7.2060°E. The current jet fuel price in the Africa region is $5.56/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Africa)
$5.56/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- QOW
- City
- Imo
- Country
- Nigeria
- Timezone
- Africa/Lagos
- Latitude
- 5.4271°
- Longitude
- 7.2060°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Africa
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from QOW
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHC - Port Hartcourt | 54 km | $841 | $2/passenger |
| ABB - Asaba | 105 km | $1,635 | $3/passenger |
| QUO - Uyo | 116 km | $1,806 | $4/passenger |
| ENU - Enugu | 123 km | $1,915 | $4/passenger |
| CBQ - Calabar | 136 km | $2,117 | $4/passenger |
| QRW - Osubi | 155 km | $2,413 | $5/passenger |
| BNI - Benin | 203 km | $3,160 | $6/passenger |
| SSG - Malabo | 250 km | $3,892 | $8/passenger |
| TKC - Tiko | 281 km | $4,375 | $9/passenger |
| AKR - Akure | 292 km | $4,546 | $9/passenger |
| MDI - Makurdi | 297 km | $4,624 | $9/passenger |
| DLA - Douala | 320 km | $4,982 | $10/passenger |
| BPC - Bamenda | 330 km | $5,137 | $10/passenger |
| BFX - Bafoussam | 349 km | $5,433 | $11/passenger |
| FOM - Foumban | 393 km | $6,118 | $12/passenger |
| ABV - Abuja | 398 km | $6,196 | $12/passenger |
| IBA - Ibadan | 417 km | $6,492 | $13/passenger |
| PCP - Principe | 419 km | $6,523 | $13/passenger |
| LOS - Lagos | 448 km | $6,974 | $14/passenger |
| ILR - Ilorin | 449 km | $6,990 | $14/passenger |
| MXJ - Minna | 477 km | $7,426 | $15/passenger |
| BSG - Bata | 486 km | $7,566 | $15/passenger |
| JOS - Jos | 503 km | $7,831 | $16/passenger |
| YAO - Yaounde | 510 km | $7,940 | $16/passenger |
| NSI - Yaounde | 518 km | $8,064 | $16/passenger |
| COO - Cotonou | 543 km | $8,453 | $17/passenger |
| TMS - Sao Tome | 564 km | $8,780 | $18/passenger |
| KAD - Kaduna | 586 km | $9,123 | $18/passenger |
| BMM - Bitam | 604 km | $9,403 | $19/passenger |
| LBV - Libreville | 604 km | $9,403 | $19/passenger |
| BCU - Bauchi | 628 km | $9,777 | $20/passenger |
| ZAR - Zaria | 636 km | $9,901 | $20/passenger |
| OYE - Oyem | 650 km | $10,119 | $20/passenger |
| LFW - Lome | 663 km | $10,322 | $21/passenger |
| PKO - Parakou | 669 km | $10,415 | $21/passenger |
| GMO - Gombe | 677 km | $10,540 | $21/passenger |
| POG - Port Gentil | 704 km | $10,960 | $22/passenger |
| YOL - Yola | 716 km | $11,147 | $22/passenger |
| NGE - N'''gaoundere | 734 km | $11,427 | $23/passenger |
| KAN - Kano | 750 km | $11,676 | $23/passenger |
| LBQ - Lambarene | 761 km | $11,847 | $24/passenger |
| NBN - San Antonio de Pale | 780 km | $12,143 | $24/passenger |
| KDC - Kandi | 790 km | $12,299 | $25/passenger |
| GOU - Garoua | 807 km | $12,563 | $25/passenger |
| OMB - Omboue Hospial | 811 km | $12,626 | $25/passenger |
| ACC - Accra | 816 km | $12,703 | $25/passenger |
| LRL - Niatougou | 829 km | $12,906 | $26/passenger |
| MKU - Makokou | 830 km | $12,921 | $26/passenger |
| SKO - Sokoto | 861 km | $13,404 | $27/passenger |
| MFQ - Maradi | 898 km | $13,980 | $28/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your QOW Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Africa region has jet fuel priced at $5.56/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from QOW
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Imo
Imo has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Travelers should expect humidity and potential monsoon or rainy seasons depending on the time of year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and staying hydrated is essential when navigating the airport and surrounding area.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through QOW
QOW operates within the African fuel pricing region. Aviation infrastructure across Africa has seen significant investment in recent years, with many airports modernizing facilities to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Travelers should verify visa requirements, vaccination certificates (particularly yellow fever), and currency exchange options before arrival.
Planning Your Trip via QOW
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Sam Mbakwe International Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from QOW
- Fuel impact awareness: The Africa region currently prices jet fuel at $5.56/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to QOW are PHC, ABB, QUO — consider these for potentially lower fares