Air travel in Nigeria has experienced significant fluctuations over the past four years, driven by different changes and conditions in the country. In this blog, we’ll delve into the data analyzed from 2018 to 2021, highlighting significant changes in Nigeria’s Airport Transportation sector and providing valuable insights to make sense of the numbers. We analyzed 31 of 32 local airports and 4 of 5 international airports in Nigeria.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or someone curious about the state of Nigerian airports, the numbers from this report tell a story. Also, understanding these trends will help travellers and industry stakeholders make informed decisions.
Passenger Trends: Domestic Flights
The first noticeable trend in Nigerian air travel is the number of domestic Airport passengers. In 2018, 15.5 million passengers took to the skies. However, this number dipped significantly in 2019, with only 13.5 million passengers, and further nosedived in 2020 to 9.1 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year, 2021 showed signs of recovery with 13 million domestic passengers, indicating resilience in the industry despite the challenges.
Passenger Trends: International Flights
International passenger trends also displayed fluctuations. In 2018, Nigeria welcomed 4.3 million international travellers, slightly increasing to 4.5 million in 2019. However, the pandemic’s impact hit hard in 2020, reducing international passengers to a mere 1.4 million. Moving ahead after the pandemic, there was an increase in 2021, with 2.2 million international passengers – a slow but steady recovery.
Nigeria boasts of several international and local airports, each with its unique characteristics. So let’s dive into insights into domestic and international passengers in both local and international airports.
International Passengers by Airports
Here is a breakdown of international passengers handled by each airport from 2018-2021;
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Nigeria’s busiest international gateway, played a crucial role in bridging Nigeria with the world. Handling over 4.3 million arrivals and 4.5 million departures from 2018 – 2021, with 2019 having the highest numbers, recording 1.6 million departures and 1.6 million in arrivals. It showcased its significance as a pivotal transit point for international travellers.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, nestled in the capital city, Abuja, contributed significantly to international travel. 2019 as well had over 531,000 departures and more than 506,000 arrivals, adding to the total of 1.5 million arrivals and 1.5 million departures, which served as an essential hub for diplomats, business travellers, and tourists alike.
In the northern region, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport facilitated connections with around 200,000 arrivals and departures. This airport, though relatively smaller in scale, as is revealed by its peak of 94,000 departures and 93,000 arrivals in 2019, remained a vital link for travellers heading to and from the northern part of Nigeria.
Further down south, Port Harcourt International Airport witnessed around 100,000 arrivals and departures. As a gateway to the southern region, it played an indispensable role in connecting Nigeria to international destinations. 2019 was also a significant year, as it recorded 49,000 departures and 50,000 arrivals.
Domestic Passengers by Airports
Within Nigeria, a network of airports facilitated domestic travel, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the country. Here is a breakdown of domestic passengers handled by each airport from 2018-2021;
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport General Aviation Terminal, situated in Abuja, emerged as a bustling hub for domestic travellers. It welcomed over 8.9 million arrivals and 8.5 million departures between 2018 to 2021, emphasising its importance as a central transit point within Nigeria, with 2021 having the highest number of arrivals of 2,363,210 and the highest number of departures of 2,395,633.
Murtala Muhammed Airport General Aviation Terminal, complementing its international operations, handled approximately 8.6 million arrivals and 8.2 million departures between 2018 to 2021. This airport, located in Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, remains an important aspect of domestic air travel, having the highest numbers of 2,653,393 arrivals and 2,598,599 departures in the year
In the southern region, Port Harcourt International Airport General Aviation Terminal supported both international and domestic travel, serving around 2 million passengers for both arrivals and departures. It is recorded that it had its highest arrivals and departures of 657,393 and 654,251 respectively in the year 2018.
This dual-purpose terminal facilitated seamless transitions for travellers moving between international and domestic flights. Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, with approximately 1 million arrivals and departures, played a pivotal role in cargo transport, aiding economic activities alongside passenger services. In 2018, we recorded the highest number of 313,466 arrivals and 320,987 departures.
Benin Airport in the southwest region recorded around 700,000 for both arrivals and departures, facilitating travel for individuals and businesses in the region. 2018 recorded the highest arrivals and departures of 188,863 and 192,077 respectively.
In the southeast, Akanu Ibiam International Airport contributed significantly with 700,000 arrivals and 600,000 departures, promoting connectivity within that vibrant part of Nigeria. The highest arrivals and departures were recorded in 2021. The arrivals and departures stood at 255,855 and 252,658 respectively.
Moving to the northeast, Maiduguri International Airport witnessed 400,000 arrivals and departures, serving travellers in the region. The highest number of arrivals and departures stood at 122,949 and 124,424 in 2018. Yola Airport, also located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, facilitated travel with 300,000 arrivals and 400,000 departures, connecting this part of the country. 2018 was also a significant year as it recorded 107,473 arrivals and 114,128 departures. Margaret Ekpo International Airport in the south-south region saw 300,000 arrivals and departures, contributing to the region’s growth and development. In 2018, the highest arrivals and departures of 102,258 and 106,153 were recorded.
These airports, scattered across Nigeria, played pivotal roles in bridging the country’s diverse regions, supporting both domestic and international passengers, and fostering economic activities across the nation. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, both domestic and international travel exhibited signs of recovery in 2021. As Nigeria continues to invest in its airports and aviation infrastructure, we can expect further growth and expansion in the coming years.
