Nigeria's scheduled domestic airline capacity declined to 978,000 seats in November 2026, falling below the 1 million-seat milestone recorded in October. According to data published by OAG Aviation Worldwide, this represents a 29.1% increase from approximately 757,400 seats in November 2025. However, it is a reduction of about 22,000 seats from October's level. This decline is notable despite the country's strong year-on-year growth in the aviation sector.
The data also shows that Nigeria recorded a 25.3% year-on-year increase in total scheduled airline capacity to 1.296 million seats in November 2026, up from 1.035 million a year earlier. The country added 261,800 seats during the period, recording the fastest growth rate among Africa's 10 largest aviation markets. This significant growth indicates a positive trend in Nigeria's aviation industry.
Egypt remained Africa's largest aviation market, with capacity rising 9.8% to 3.18 million seats, while South Africa ranked second with 2.36 million seats, down 2%. Morocco recorded 2.05 million seats, up 9.1%, while Ethiopia had 1.39 million seats, representing a 5.2% increase. Nigeria ranked fifth with 1.296 million seats, ahead of Algeria at 948,334, Kenya at 896,789, and Tanzania at 644,025.
Within Nigeria, domestic capacity fell from approximately 1 million seats in October to 978,000 in November, a month-on-month reduction of about 22,000 seats. However, compared with November 2025, capacity increased by 220,600 seats, representing year-on-year growth of 29.1%. This growth is a testament to the resilience of Nigeria's aviation sector.
South Africa remained Africa's largest domestic aviation market, with about 1.6 million seats, although its capacity declined by 3.8% year-on-year. Nigeria's domestic growth also exceeded Egypt's 18.4% increase and Congo's 26% growth. This indicates that Nigeria's aviation market is performing well compared to its peers.
In October, Nigeria recorded the fastest growth in airline seat capacity among Africa's 10 largest aviation markets, adding more than 400,000 seats year-on-year. This gain of 414,900 seats represented growth of 44.5%, the highest of any country in the continent's top 10. The data attributed the increase to currency reforms, a new aircraft leasing agreement, and growing confidence among airlines that want to fly into the country.
The growth in Nigeria's aviation sector is not limited to international routes. Domestic capacity rose 54.6% to roughly one million seats, adding 362,600 seats over the year, which made Nigeria one of the fastest-growing domestic markets in Africa. Only Congo grew faster on that measure, at 49.7%, though Congo's domestic market remains small. Lagos airport leads the top 10, handling about 0.52 million seats in October, an increase of 29.7%, or 119,200 seats, compared with the same month last year.
Key points
- Nigeria's domestic airline seats declined to 978,000 in November 2026, despite a 29.1% year-on-year growth.
- Nigeria recorded the fastest growth in airline seat capacity among Africa's 10 largest aviation markets in October.
- Egypt remained Africa's largest aviation market, with a capacity of 3.18 million seats.
