Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded a mixed bag of passenger traffic trends in 2024, with domestic travel dipping 6.46% to 12.54 million passengers, while international travel rose 6.4% to 4.33 million passengers, according to data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
This disparity highlights the contrasting fortunes of the domestic and international markets.
A breakdown of the data shows that domestic airports saw varying passenger volumes, with Murtala Muhammed airport’s domestic wing processing 4.13 million passengers, Abuja airport handling 4.37 million, and Port Harcourt airport recording 1.03 million passengers.
Other notable domestic airports include Kano, Enugu, and Calabar, which handled 514,460, 493,510, and 130,982 passengers, respectively.
On the international front, Murtala Muhammed International airport led with 3 million passengers, followed by Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport with 1.07 million.
The growth in international passenger movement is largely attributed to improved airline connectivity, increased flight frequencies, and rising global travel demand.
The dip in domestic traffic is concerning, with industry experts citing economic challenges, high operational costs, and inadequate infrastructure as major contributing factors.
“The domestic market is facing significant headwinds, including high fuel costs and limited airport infrastructure,” says a senior aviation official.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of optimism. The Nigerian government has initiated reforms aimed at boosting the aviation sector, including the establishment of new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and the liberalization of air travel policies.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector navigates these mixed trends, stakeholders are calling for sustained government support and investment in infrastructure to drive growth and competitiveness.
And with the right policies and investments, the sector can overcome its challenges and become a major player in the global aviation industry.
