International air travel remains a vital link between Nigeria and the world, connecting passengers for business, education, tourism, and family visits.
The country is served by five major international airports: Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, and Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Lagos handles the bulk of outbound traffic, followed by Abuja and Port Harcourt.
This ranking is based on IATA’s 2023 origin-destination data, published in The Value of Air Transport to Nigeria, released a few weeks ago. In 2023, international flights accounted for 23% of Nigeria’s total departures, equal to 2.1 million passengers, led by Europe with 780,700 passengers or 38%, Africa with 485,400 passengers or 23%, and North America with 373,000 passengers or 18%. Nigerian outbound flights represented 0.1% of global international traffic and 2.9% of regional traffic, with cumulative growth over the last decade at -7.2%.
Providing more context, data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, obtained by Nairametrics, show that in 2024, MMIA in Lagos handled 4.3 million international passengers, 150 million kilograms of cargo, and 40,250 aircraft movements, while Abuja averaged 2,871 international passengers daily with 19 international flights per day. Port Harcourt recorded 111,846 international passengers and 1,638 aircraft movements.
Manchester in the United Kingdom ranked fifth among the most popular international city destinations for travellers departing Nigeria by air, with approximately 59,800 passengers, representing 2.9% of outbound traffic.
The city is served by Manchester Airport (MAN), the primary international airport in the region. Flights are operated by British Airways and other verified carriers, providing direct and connecting services.
Nigerians travel to Manchester for education, business, tourism, and family visits, attracted by the city’s universities, cultural events, and economic opportunities.
Manchester’s cultural and lifestyle appeal includes Old Trafford stadium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and vibrant arts and music scenes. The city is known for its sporting heritage, industrial history, and dynamic cultural life, offering visitors both leisure and professional experiences.
