Nigeria's Aviation Market Soars to Fourth Largest in Africa, FAAN Reports

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced that Nigeria's aviation market has ascended to the fourth-largest in Africa, boasting over 18.8 million domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025.

FAAN reported an impressive 11.9% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic for the same year. Notably, Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos achieved the highest growth in scheduled seat capacity among Africa's top ten airports, with a remarkable 24.1% increase in September.

Mrs. Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, shared these insights at the 2026 Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja. She emphasized the continent's leadership in global aviation recovery, highlighting a 6.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand among African airlines.

“In July 2026, while global international demand declined by 0.1%, Africa was expanding. This continent is on the move, and Nigeria is proud to be at the forefront of this growth story,” Onabanjo-Kuku stated.

The aviation market's achievements reflect Nigeria's growing significance in African air travel, with scheduled airline capacity reaching 1.19 million seats in September 2026—a staggering 37.4% increase from the previous year.

Onabanjo-Kuku stressed the need for investment in airport operations, including predictive maintenance, reliable power, and digital systems to enhance decision-making. “The less visible investments often deliver the greatest returns,” she said.

Operational resilience was also a focus, with Onabanjo-Kuku arguing that resilience is more than just having an emergency plan; it involves building organizational capabilities that can adapt to disruptions.

She underscored the importance of human capital, stating that while infrastructure and technology may depreciate, a knowledgeable and accountable workforce enhances every investment.

“Developing aviation professionals who can navigate the complex airport ecosystem is crucial,” she added, stressing the need for a culture of continuous learning.

Lastly, Onabanjo-Kuku called for commercially viable partnerships, asserting that government resources alone cannot meet the capital and expertise required for growth in the aviation sector. 

With these developments, Nigeria's aviation market is poised for continued expansion, contributing significantly to economic growth and connectivity across the continent.