The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has disclosed that Nigeria's total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026 reached 1.19 million seats. This represents a 37.4% increase from the same period last year. The Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubumi Kuku, made this announcement at the opening of the Airport Council International (ACI) Regional Africa conference in Abuja.
According to FAAN, Nigeria's aviation market now ranks as the fourth-largest in Africa. In 2025, the country recorded over 18.8 million domestic and international passengers. This represents a year-on-year increase of 11.9%. The growth in passenger numbers is a significant indicator of the country's expanding aviation sector.
The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos has recorded the fastest growth in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's ten largest airports in September. The airport achieved a remarkable 24.1% increase in seat capacity. This growth is attributed to ongoing rehabilitation and upgrade of its oldest terminal.
The increase in Nigeria's airline capacity is driven by several factors. These include currency reforms, new aircraft leasing agreements, and growing confidence from international carriers looking to fly to Nigeria. Data from OAG supports this growth trend.
FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs Olubumi Kuku, emphasized the significance of the conference theme, 'Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.' She described it as a strategic mandate and a call to action for the continent's aviation sector. Kuku also highlighted Africa's leading role in global aviation recovery.
African airlines recorded a 6.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026. This growth outpaced the global average, which declined by 0.1% during the same period. The continent's overall passenger demand grew by 5.2%, substantially ahead of the global average of 0.2%.
Despite the growth, Africa's aviation sector faces structural challenges. The continent accounts for just 1% of global air traffic despite having 18% of the world's population. Load factors remain below global averages, and airlines' financial viability remains fragile. In Nigeria alone, with a population exceeding 220 million, approximately 19.5 million passengers pass through 28 airports annually.
Key points
- Nigeria's airline capacity has reached 1.19 million seats, a 37.4% increase from the same period last year.
- The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos recorded the fastest growth in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's ten largest airports in September.
- African airlines recorded a 6.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026.
