Nigeria’s airports handled a total passenger traffic of 16,877,818 in 2024, reflecting a 5% decline from the 17,767,972 recorded in 2022, according to harmonised data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. The overall contraction was driven by a 10.8% fall in domestic travel, which dropped from 14,057,060 to 12,543,153 over the period. In contrast, international passenger traffic grew by 16.8%, rising from 3,710,912 in 2022 to 4,334,665 in 2024, underscoring a structural shift in Nigeria’s air travel demand.
Dissecting Passenger Traffic
A comparative analysis of FAAN’s annual reports for 2022, 2023 and 2024 shows that while passenger numbers rebounded strongly in 2022, growth momentum weakened in 2023 and softened further in 2024, particularly on international routes.
Domestic passenger traffic in 2024 stood at 12,543,153, slightly down from 13,409,701 in 2023. Arrivals totalled 6,287,621, and departures 6,255,532, reflecting a well-balanced flow. Abuja remained the busiest domestic hub with 4,372,091 passengers, a 10% drop from 2023 figures, while Lagos followed at 4,134,211, showing relative stability. Port Harcourt handled 1,026,060 travellers, and Kano, Owerri, Enugu and Benin recorded 493,510, 414,190, 381,883 and 353,350 respectively.
Analysing year-on-year trends, domestic passenger traffic fell by approximately 6.5 per cent from 2023 to 2024, reflecting either a recalibration of domestic travel demand or operational constraints at major airports. In contrast, international passenger traffic grew by roughly 6.5 per cent, indicating stronger outbound travel, particularly through Lagos’ international terminals. This contrast highlights a gradual shift in travel preferences, with Nigerians increasingly seeking international connectivity, potentially influenced by economic factors, airline capacity, and the availability of direct routes to regional and global destinations.
The decline in domestic travel over the three years, particularly at Abuja and Lagos, suggests changing passenger behaviour and route preferences. Meanwhile, smaller airports such as Owerri and Enugu are seeing upward trends, with Owerri reaching 414,190 passengers in 2024, up 11% from 2023, signalling growth potential in regional markets.
Notably, Owerri Airport recorded an 11% increase in passenger traffic, up from 373,639 in 2023 to 414,190 in 2024. This growth indicates rising demand in regional markets and highlights the potential for airlines to expand domestic routes beyond the major hubs. Enugu also showed positive momentum with a 7% rise, signalling a gradual decentralisation of domestic air travel.
International passenger traffic continued a steady upward trajectory, reaching 4,334,665 in 2024. This represents a 6.5% increase over 2023 and a 16.8% rise compared with 2022’s 3,710,912. Lagos dominated international movements with 3,006,103 passengers, including 1,441,436 arrivals and 1,564,667 departures. Abuja followed with 1,070,548, and Kano with 211,671. Smaller airports such as Port Harcourt and Enugu recorded minimal international flows of 10,902 and 38,052 respectively.
The comparative analysis demonstrates Lagos’ pivotal role as Nigeria’s international gateway. Abuja’s moderate growth in international traffic highlights its importance for business and diplomatic travel, whereas Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu indicate underutilised potential for expanded routes.
Looking at trends over the three years, total passenger traffic rose from 17,767,972 in 2022 to 16,877,818 in 2024, representing an overall decline of 5% if combining domestic drops and international gains. However, international growth of 16.8% contrasts sharply with the domestic contraction of 10.8%, emphasising the need for airlines and FAAN to focus on stimulating domestic routes while sustaining international connectivity.
Route-specific analysis shows Abuja’s dominance in domestic travel remains clear, although it declined 14.5% from 5,108,388 in 2022 to 4,372,091 in 2024. Lagos’ domestic numbers remained fairly steady, while Port Harcourt’s growth of 2.7% signals modest improvements in regional connectivity. Internationally, Lagos recorded a 24.7% rise from 2,412,451 in 2022 to 3,006,103 in 2024, while Abuja’s international traffic remained relatively flat, up just 1.5% over the three-year span.
FAAN’s harmonised reporting allows for a granular understanding of aviation dynamics. While domestic passenger traffic shows a need for revitalisation, international flows continue to demonstrate resilience and growth, especially in Lagos. Secondary airports such as Owerri and Enugu present opportunities for airlines to expand service and relieve pressure on major hubs.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s 2024 passenger traffic illustrates a sector in transition. While domestic numbers slightly declined, international travel surged, and smaller airports showed growth potential. Policymakers and airlines will need to balance capacity, improve connectivity, and invest in regional hubs to sustain this upward trajectory.
