Nigeria has become the fourth largest aviation market in Africa, with 18.8 million domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025. This represents an 11.9 per cent increase from the previous year, according to Olubunmi Onabanjo Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Onabanjo Kuku disclosed this at the Airport Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja. The conference theme, “Next Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” aims to improve African airports' services and operations.
Onabanjo Kuku, also Vice President of ACI Africa, noted that recent figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed strong growth in African aviation. International passenger demand among African airlines increased by 6.4 per cent year on year in July 2026, while global international demand dropped by 0.1 per cent during the same period. Overall passenger demand in Africa increased by 5.2 per cent, making the continent one of the fastest growing aviation regions in the world.
Scheduled airline capacity in Nigeria reached 1.19 million seats in September 2026, representing a 37.4 per cent increase from the same period in 2025. This growth is linked to currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements, and increased confidence among international airlines. Several airlines have resumed operations in Nigeria since the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development assumed office, with more expected to return.
Despite the growth, Africa still faces major challenges, according to Onabanjo Kuku. The continent accounts for only one per cent of global air traffic despite having about 18 per cent of the world’s population. Funding shortages, inadequate infrastructure, high operating costs, poor connectivity, and pressure to keep charges low while providing quality facilities are some of the major challenges facing the sector.
FAAN has been implementing reforms since 2023 to improve airport infrastructure and passenger experience. The authority has rehabilitated a major runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, upgraded terminals, and improved airfield lighting while keeping airport operations running. The Passenger Experience Hub was established to improve speed, comfort, predictability, and assistance for passengers.
On digital transformation, FAAN is introducing fast check-in systems, automated e-passport gates, improved security systems, and passenger data analytics. FAAN obtained ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications in January 2026 as part of efforts to improve quality management and environmental responsibility. More than 3,500 FAAN personnel have received training and certification through programmes organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and ACI.
Onabanjo Kuku identified five areas that would shape the future of African airports, including increasing revenue from non-aviation activities, investing in modern infrastructure and technology, improving operational resilience, developing skilled aviation workers, and building stronger partnerships with private investors, airlines, technology companies, and financial institutions. She urged African governments to provide stable and long-term policies for airport investment and called on development partners and financial institutions to see African airports as important economic infrastructure that deserved sustained investment.
Key points
- Nigeria recorded 18.8 million passengers in 2025, an 11.9 per cent increase from the previous year.
- Africa accounts for only one per cent of global air traffic despite having about 18 per cent of the world’s population.
- FAAN has implemented reforms to improve airport infrastructure and passenger experience, including rehabilitation of a major runway and introduction of fast check-in systems.
