Figures compiled under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) State Profile framework show that international passenger traffic at Nigeria’s busiest airport rose by 6.5% to 4.3 million in 2024, compared with 4.04 million in 2023. International cargo throughput also climbed by 11.3% to 150 million kilograms, up from 135 million kilograms in the previous year.
Aircraft movements on international routes mirrored this uptrend, increasing by 7.7% to 40,250 flights, compared with 37,375 flights in 2023. The growth reinforced MMIA’s position as Nigeria’s primary hub for international travel and cargo movement.
By contrast, domestic aviation activity contracted. Passenger traffic fell by 6.5% to 12.5 million in 2024 from 13.37 million in the previous year, while domestic aircraft movements declined by 6.8% to 125,000 flights, down from 134,000 in 2023.
Officials at MMIA attributed the slowdown in local traffic to economic pressures, including naira devaluation, which hampered airlines’ ability to source spare parts and jet fuel. The suspension of Dana Air operations following a runway incident in April 2024 also weighed on domestic flight activity.
Despite these challenges, revenue generation at the Lagos airport continued to depend heavily on aeronautical sources, which accounted for 92% of earnings, compared to 8% from non-aeronautical sources.
The FAAN profile situates MMIA at the center of Nigeria’s wider aviation modernization strategy, which focuses on strengthening safety and security, renewing infrastructure, and enhancing the passenger experience through digital transformation.
On a continental scale, however, MMIA’s growth lagged behind broader trends. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicated that African airlines saw international passenger traffic expand by 13.2% in 2024—double the rate recorded at MMIA.
Officials also offered insights into cargo trends. Outbound shipments were dominated by foodstuffs sent to Nigerians abroad, while inbound cargo included a large volume of point-of-sale (POS) machines imported from China.
The contrasting trends highlight MMIA’s expanding role in global connectivity and trade, even as Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector continues to face economic headwinds and operational disruptions.