The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, recorded a significant rise in international passenger and cargo traffic in 2024, according to data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

International passenger traffic at the airport grew by 6.5 per cent to reach 4.3 million, up from 4.04 million in 2023. Aircraft movements on international routes also rose by 7.69 per cent, with 40,250 flights recorded, compared to 37,375 in the previous year.

Cargo handling posted an even stronger performance, climbing by 11.31 per cent to 150 million kilograms, against 135 million kilograms processed in 2023.

However, the domestic segment witnessed a decline. Passenger traffic within Nigeria dropped by 6.46 per cent to 12.5 million in 2024, down from 13.37 million in 2023. Similarly, domestic aircraft movements fell by 6.81 per cent year-on-year. Industry observers linked the slump to operational challenges, including higher costs driven by naira devaluation and the suspension of Dana Air following a runway incident.

FAAN noted that MMIA’s revenue streams continue to rely heavily on aeronautical sources, which accounted for 92 per cent of earnings in 2024, while non-aeronautical sources contributed just 8 per cent.

The latest figures highlight the resilience of international air travel and cargo operations at Nigeria’s busiest gateway, even as the domestic aviation sector grapples with economic headwinds.