Airport managers across Nigeria have been urged to diversify revenue streams and adopt aggressive route marketing strategies to remain competitive and financially sustainable in a rapidly evolving aviation industry.
The charge was given by Fortune Idu, Convener of the Airport Business Summit and Expo (ABSE 2026), on Tuesday at the opening of the summit in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme “Unlocking Airport Revenue Potential: Strategies and Partnerships,” Idu stressed that the future success of airports would depend largely on their ability to balance aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue sources.
He warned that airports that fail to embrace route marketing risk losing airlines and passengers to competing facilities offering better commercial incentives.
According to him, increasing numbers of airports nationwide will intensify competition for airlines, passengers and investment, making strategic positioning critical for survival.
Idu explained that diversified revenue streams—ranging from retail, parking, restaurants and advertising to cargo expansion—are essential for operational stability, infrastructure development and long-term financial resilience.
He cautioned airport authorities against over-reliance on airline charges, noting that excessive fees could discourage airlines from operating and ultimately weaken airport viability.
“Airports are still strictly managed by government, yet people think airports do not have competition. I can assure you that in the next 10 years, if you do not understand route marketing as an airport manager, your airport will become irrelevant,” he said.
Providing global insights, Idu revealed that passenger service charges account for about 77 per cent of aeronautical revenue, while landing fees contribute roughly 21 per cent, with parking and aerobridge charges making up about one per cent each.
He added that modern airports are evolving into airport cities and aerotropolises, creating broader commercial opportunities beyond traditional aviation services.
Idu also commended the Lagos State Government for the Lekki-Epe International Airport project, describing it as a development that could reshape aviation competition in the region.
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He noted that the new facility would compete closely with the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two upon completion.
The summit drew participation from airport managers, aviation operators and other key stakeholders, with a strong call for business-driven management, strategic partnerships and maximisation of commercial opportunities within airport ecosystems.
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