June 11, (THEWILL) – The management of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) says it generated over N20.83bn in 2024, exceeding its revenue target of N17.3bn by more than N3.5bn.
Disclosing this in an interview with aviation journalists in Kano, the Regional Manager of MAKIA, Comrade Ahmed Danjuma, attributed the success to improved passenger traffic and growing focus on non-aeronautical revenue streams.
Danjuma expressed optimism that the airport will exceed its target for 2025, describing the first quarter as “very promising.”
According to him, passenger movement in April 2025 showed significant traffic, with domestic inbound passengers totaling 20,472 and outbound at 21,278.
On the international route, inbound passengers were 18,687, while outbound passengers stood at 6,787.
In the same month, domestic cargo movement reached 16,176 tons, while the international wing recorded 788,359 tons of imports and 161,367 tons of exports.
Danjuma listed Max Air, Air Peace, Rano Airlines, United Nigeria, Umza Air, and Aero Contractors as domestic operators at MAKIA. International airlines currently operating include Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Max Air.
The airport management, he said, is now focusing on maximizing non-aeronautical revenue to support long-term growth.
“I have ambitious plans for this airport. I’ve identified several non-aeronautical opportunities that can boost our revenue significantly,” Danjuma said.
He noted that the airport’s strategic location within the city makes it ideal for business clusters.
“Recently, we allocated land to a business group to construct a hotel near the domestic terminal. This will increase our income and complement airport services,” he said.
Danjuma also revealed that discussions are ongoing with local business owners to utilize unused parts of the airport, including a private lounge that was built and later abandoned.
Speaking on terminal operations, Danjuma said both domestic and international sections are functional.
He explained that domestic flights currently operate from the old international terminal due to the ongoing renovation of the Dankabo terminal.
“The domestic terminal is under renovation, so operations were moved to the old international terminal temporarily. Both are operational and running well,” he said.
He addressed concerns about the collapsed POP ceiling in one terminal, attributing it to water leakage over the past two years. He said maintenance efforts are ongoing to provide temporary fixes.
Danjuma added that the airport currently has a staff strength of about 1,255 and that the new terminal under construction will offer a more conducive working and travel environment when completed.
He also disclosed that the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has assured that the renovated Dankabo terminal will be fully operational within a few months.
Regarding the poor cooling system at the current domestic terminal, he said most air conditioners were over 17 years old and had been running continuously.
“When I assumed office, most AC units in the arrival and waiting lounges were non-functional. We’ve since fixed the ones in the waiting area,” he said.
On staff welfare and the challenge of shuttle services, Danjuma said a meeting with union leaders led to plans for the introduction of staff shuttle buses between terminals and into town.
He noted that some private groups have applied for registration to operate shuttle services, which should lower transport fares through competition.
Danjuma identified the aging runway pavement as his biggest infrastructure concern. He noted that the runway has outlived its lifespan by over 14 years.
“Thankfully, the FAAN MD has confirmed that Kano has been captured for full runway resurfacing. Contractors have already begun site visits to take samples and measurements,” he said.
Until the resurfacing is completed, he added, the airport will continue to carry out palliative repairs to maintain safety.
He commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, sister agencies, and security operatives for their support and for ensuring operational safety at the airport.
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