Nigeria fourth largest aviation market in Africa-FAAN

Nigeria ranks as the fourth largest aviation market in Africa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has revealed.

She said the nation recorded more than 18.8m domestic and international air passengers in 2025 to become the fourth largest aviation market in Africa.

Onabanjo-Kuku spoke at the ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abuja.

The FAAN MD, who is also the Vice President of the Airports Council International Africa, said the passenger figure represented an 11.9 per cent year-on-year increase, describing the growth as evidence of Nigeria’s expanding role in the continent’s aviation market.

According to her: “Our aviation market now ranks as the fourth-largest in Africa, with over 18.8m domestic and international passengers recorded in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 11.9 per cent.”

While pointing to recent industry figures indicating continued expansion in African aviation, the FAAN MD cited International Air Transport Association data showing that African airlines recorded a 6.4 per cent year-on-year increase in international passenger demand in July 2026, compared with a 0.1 per cent decline in global international demand during the same period.

She also said overall passenger demand in Africa increased by 5.2 per cent, placing the continent behind only Latin America and the Caribbean in growth during the period.

“This is not a marginal improvement. This continent is on the move,” she told delegates.

According to her, Nigeria is contributing significantly to that movement, with growth in scheduled airline capacity and renewed interest from carriers operating in the country’s market.

She further added the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, recorded the fastest growth in scheduled seat capacity among Africa’s 10 largest airports in September with a 24.1 per cent increase.

She said Nigeria’s total scheduled airline capacity for September 2026, stood at 1.19m seats, representing a 37.4 per cent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year.

Onabanjo-Kuku attributed the expansion to factors including currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements and growing confidence among international airlines seeking to operate in Nigeria.

She added: “Since the current Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development took office, several airlines have resumed operations in Nigeria, and more are expected soon.

“These figures are not abstract. They represent millions of Africans connecting with family, doing business, accessing healthcare, and exploring opportunities.

“They represent livelihoods. They represent economic growth. They represent the future we are building together.”

She informed more than 3,500 FAAN personnel had been trained and certified through International Civil Aviation Organisation and ACI programmes.