Nigeria Becomes Africa’s Fourth-Largest Aviation Market With 18.8m Passengers

Nigeria recorded more than 18.8 million domestic and international air passengers in 2025, making it Africa’s fourth-largest aviation market, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. The figure represents an 11.9 per cent increase from the previous year. FAAN said airline capacity also rose, reaching 1.19 million scheduled seats in September 2026, up 37.4 per cent year-on-year. The agency linked the growth to currency reforms, aircraft leasing arrangements and renewed confidence among international airlines. It said airport upgrades, faster check-in systems, automated e-passport gates and improved security are being introduced to improve passenger experience. Despite the progress, FAAN said inadequate funding, high operating costs, weak connectivity and infrastructure gaps remain major obstacles to aviation growth across Africa.

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