MMIA Projects 8.5m Passenger Movement In 2016

The Regional Manager of Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Edwin Olarerin says the passenger movement at the airport will increase to 8.5 million by 2016.

The Regional Manager stated this while addressing airport managers in the South-West region, officials of the labour union and other stakeholders at the first regional assembly in Lagos.

He pointed out that in 2011 the airport recorded passenger movement of 6.7 million, 96,599 aircraft movement and over 162 million kg of cargo.

“So, by 2016 passenger movement would be expected to rise from 6.7 million last year to 8.5 million and aircraft movement projected to rise from 96,599 to 124,601,” he said.

He attributed the expected increase to the on-going remodelling exercise at the airport adding that the infrastructural upgrade would attract more revenue to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“More airlines are expected to operate from Murtala Mohammed Airport because of improved infrastructure resulting from the remodelling programme. Similarly, non-aeronautical revenue streams like retail outlets are expected to receive a boost,” he said.

He explained that with improved infrastructure and services, the Lagos airport was expected not only to be investor-friendly, but also a key player in the nation’s economic development.

Olalerin lauded the Minister of Aviation, Mrs Stella Oduah and the Managing Director of FAAN, Geroge Uriesi for the positive developments at the airports and enjoined the airport managers to be innovative and to look for areas of improvement.

He therefore, described the South-West airport region as the goose that lays the golden eggs and urged them to show greater commitment to justify their pride of place.