Nigeria handled more than 18.8 million domestic and international air passengers in 2025, representing an 11.9 percent year-on-year increase. This growth makes the country Africa's fourth-largest aviation market. The data was disclosed by Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, at the Airports Council International Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.
The growth in air passenger traffic reflects rising demand and renewed interest from international airlines. Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport recorded a 24.1 percent increase in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's 10 largest airports in September. Nigeria's total scheduled airline capacity reached 1.19 million seats, up 37.4 percent from the corresponding period of the previous year.
Onabanjo-Kuku attributed the expansion partly to currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements, and increased confidence among international airlines. She cited International Air Transport Association data showing international passenger demand among African airlines rose 6.4 percent year-on-year in July 2026, while overall passenger demand in Africa increased 5.2 percent.
Despite the growth, Africa still accounts for only about one percent of global air traffic, indicating significant room for expansion. Onabanjo-Kuku also identified funding constraints, infrastructure deficits, high operating costs, and fragmented connectivity as persistent challenges for the industry.
Aviation industry expert Samuel Caulcrick noted that rising passenger numbers do not necessarily mean Nigerian airlines are benefiting from the expansion. Domestic carriers remain commercially disadvantaged against foreign airlines due to differences in financing costs, with foreign carriers having a lower cost of capital.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is focusing on runway safety, terminal upgrades, airfield lighting, and digital systems, including faster check-in, automated e-passport gates, and enhanced security systems. The authority obtained ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications in January 2026.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo emphasized the need for next-generation airports to be safe, financially sustainable, technologically enabled, and resilient to disruptions. He highlighted efforts to attract private investment into airport infrastructure, aircraft leasing, cargo facilities, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations.
Key points
- Nigeria recorded 18.8m air passengers in 2025, an 11.9% year-on-year increase.
- The country is Africa's fourth-largest aviation market.
- Nigerian airlines face financing pressure due to differences in financing costs with foreign carriers.
