Nigeria’s aviation sector recorded significant growth in 2025, with more than 18.8 million domestic and international passenger movements recorded across the country.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), says the figure makes Nigeria the fourth-largest aviation market in Africa, as passenger demand and airline capacity continue to rise.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Olubunmi Onabanjo-Kuku, disclosed this at the 2026 Airports Council International Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja.
She said the growth reflects a wider recovery in African air transport, although the continent still has significant room for expansion.
Data from aviation analytics firm OAG shows that airlines serving Nigeria scheduled about 1.19 million departing seats in September 2026, representing a 37.4 percent increase from the same period in 2025.
Domestic scheduled capacity also rose by 44.8 percent year-on-year to about 877,000 seats.
Lagos recorded a 24.1 percent increase in scheduled capacity, reaching about 470,000 seats during the month.
Onabanjo-Kuku attributed the growth to developments in the aviation sector, including currency reforms, new aircraft leasing arrangements and increased confidence among airlines.
She also highlighted improvements in airport infrastructure, including runway rehabilitation, terminal refurbishment, airfield lighting upgrades and the deployment of automated e-passport gates.
Despite the growth, FAAN says high operating costs, infrastructure gaps and limited access to capital remain major challenges for the sector.
The agency is calling for stronger investment in airport infrastructure, technology, human capital and regional connectivity to support the continued expansion of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
