The bulk of international flights cater to the large Sudanese community in Kano and Muslim pilgrimages to Mecca.

In the first decades of operation, it became an important fuel stop for airlines flying long-haul services between Europe and Africa.

When they indefinitely suspended services to Kano in June 2012, KLM was the only European airline serving the city, which they had done without interruption since 1947.

The main terminal with the control tower serves international flights and domestic services operated by Arik Air.

On the south side of the airport, along runway 06/24, is the domestic terminal currently serving operations of IRS Airlines.