Reimagining Asaba Airport in Nigeria

A new era for a nation’s vital asset

Asaba Airport has bold ambitions to be a state-of-the-art facility.

The airport today, nestled close to the River Niger in the Delta State of Nigeria, primarily provides domestic passengers with safe and efficient travel in a region where road infrastructure is limited.

But Asaba Airport Company (AAC) wants to set the standard for air travel and passenger experience in Nigeria, as well as expanding its capabilities to establish itself as a regional hub between West and Central Africa.

They engaged NACO to develop a new masterplan with a planning horizon of 20 years to achieve their goal. From overall development strategy with the focus on feasibility, to ensuring that capital investments are done in line with the growth of the airfield.

When presented with our masterplan’s initial design sketches for the departure lounge, AAC was inspired to add an additional assignment to our work – commissioning us to create an integrated design vision.

With the singular goal of elevating the air travel experience at Asaba and enabling the airport to become the gateway connecting West and Central Africa, our design vision would provide a structured framework using a common visual design language to blend architecture with interior design to enhance the customer experience. It would also provide an opportunity to pay homage to the unique, dynamic Nigerian culture.

A design vision created around the customer experience

Tapping into our multidisciplinary team and experience of creating world-class passenger experiences – we proposed a design vision that prioritised a memorable journey through a strong sense of place, connecting the airport to the vibrant and commercial South-East hub of Nigeria.

In achieving this, a cohesive design language was established, incorporating four core values:
• Local identity,
• Modern image,
• Passenger experience,
• and durability and maintainability.

These values guided all decisions, ensuring a unified and consistent airport customer experience that celebrates the rich culture in Nigeria, while maintaining a contemporary feel.

Bringing our design vision to life, we proposed design elements steeped in local culture, such as a colour palette rich in terracotta and green shades, that would reflect the surrounding landscape of the Delta State.

Creating a sense of place with culture and sustainable design

Departure lounges are the commercial hub of any airport – and for passengers they’re the place to feel safe, relax and get comfortable after making it through necessary security screenings.

The Asaba Airport main departure lounge is characterised by a curved roof, high ceilings and ample views to the apron and the runway. Our concept built on this, with an accentuated curved ceiling being the feature element throughout the lounge, alongside comfortable seating and integrated vegetation.

A modular approach to the gate waiting areas, with a variety of seating arrangements and resulting atmospheres, was adopted. This approach allows the airport’s commercial team to tailor service offerings for different passenger personas.

The VIP/CIP lounge was an added and anticipated service in the airport’s passenger terminal. The use of accent colours in rich green and gold tints, alongside the use of natural materials such as locally sourced wood, stone and glass, creates a luxurious atmosphere where privacy and exclusivity bring peace-of-mind and comfort to frequent travellers.
An integrated lighting concept accentuates the space and brings visual comfort, creating a calming and intimate atmosphere, connecting the lounge with the outdoor patio space.
Art installations expressing and amplifying the creativity of Nigerian artists are showcased within prominent locations in the airport, such as the check-in hall, allowing passengers to explore different perspectives of the Nigerian community, diversity, vibrancy, and hospitality.

Additionally, the use of sustainable materials such as natural stone tiling, sourced from local suppliers, were prioritised throughout. These were recommended for their durability and seamless integration within the airport’s existing infrastructure, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements, lowering associated upkeep costs in the long-term.

Leveraging the power of digital platforms

In keeping with modern landmarks, an Instagrammable feature in the form of a unique plant feature wall serves as the pièce de resistance, encouraging passengers to share their experience, and enabling Asaba Airport to extend its reach and raise its profile by leveraging the power of digital platforms to spark interest and attract new visitors.

Passenger flow modelling for a better customer experience

Our proposals were strengthened through comprehensive research, including the study of the different types of passengers and their flow patterns, mapped with main touchpoints and spaces designed to increase dwell time.

This research guided the strategic placement of dynamic and static signage within our designs, for intuitive wayfinding, reducing stress to create a smoother journey for passengers. It also played a crucial role in maximising space utilisation, with furniture arrangement carefully considered to balance comfort and functionality, catering to diverse passenger needs.

Paving the way for an exceptional future

While the airport’s focus currently lies on executing the masterplan, with this design vision, the groundwork is laid for an exceptional passenger experience that will elevate Asaba Airport’s status as a regional aviation leader and set it up for long-term success.

The structured visual design language enables consistency in the passenger experience, yet provides room for flexibility, empowering AAC to work with local designers to create a uniquely Nigerian experience, cementing Asaba Airport as a key gateway to the region upon implementation.