By Abubaker Yunusa
Nigeria’s domestic air passenger traffic rose to 13.09 million in 2025, underscoring growing demand for local air travel despite economic challenges facing the aviation sector.
This was revealed in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s 2025 Passenger Traffic Analysis Report.
The report showed that domestic travel remained the backbone of the country’s aviation industry, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total passenger movement across Nigerian airports during the year.
According to the data, domestic passenger traffic increased from 12.54 million in 2024 to 13.09 million in 2025, representing a growth of 4.33 per cent.
International passenger traffic also recorded significant growth, rising from 4.40 million in 2024 to 4.85 million in 2025, an increase of 10.26 per cent.
The report further indicated that total passenger traffic across the nation’s airports climbed from 16.94 million in 2024 to 17.94 million in 2025, reflecting an overall growth rate of 5.9 per cent.
FAAN noted that although domestic passenger traffic experienced a decline between 2022 and 2023, the segment returned to positive growth in 2024 and sustained the momentum through 2025.
The authority stated, “Domestic traffic dipped between 2022 and 2023 but returned to growth in 2024 and continued its upward trend in 2025, while international traffic maintained a more consistent recovery path.”
Industry data also pointed to a gradual recovery in Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly in international travel and cargo operations.
At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, international passenger traffic increased by 6.5 per cent in 2024 to 4.3 million passengers, up from 4.04 million recorded in 2023.
International cargo movement also grew by 11.31 per cent to 150 million kilogrammes, while aircraft movements rose by 7.69 per cent during the period.
However, domestic operations recorded a setback in 2024, with passenger traffic dropping by 6.46 per cent to 12.5 million from 13.37 million in 2023. Domestic aircraft movements also declined by 6.81 per cent.
Speaking on operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Acting Chief Operating Officer of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr Remi Jibodu, said the terminal currently records between 60 and 65 flight departures daily.
He said, “The Lagos-Abuja route remains the busiest domestic air corridor from MMA2 due to Abuja’s position as the nation’s capital and a major business destination.”
Jibodu added that Asaba and Port Harcourt were also among the busiest domestic routes operating from the terminal.
Stakeholders believe the latest figures signal renewed confidence in air transportation and a steady recovery trajectory for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
