Nigeria now Africa’s 2nd Largest Domestic Aviation Market, Records 10% Growth – FAAN

The managing director and chief executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku, has disclosed that Nigeria emerged as the second-largest domestic passenger market in Africa, recording over 10.5 million passengers and a 10 per cent year-on-year growth.

Kuku made this known during her closing address at the ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition held in Luanda, where she highlighted Nigeria’s growing prominence in Africa’s aviation sector.
The conference, which brought together aviation stakeholders from across the continent under the theme “Stronger Airports, Stronger Africa,” focused on strengthening airport infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation to drive economic growth.

While speaking, Kuku described airports as critical national assets that go beyond serving as transit hubs, noting their role in facilitating trade, tourism, job creation, and regional integration.

“The future of African aviation will depend not only on infrastructure, but also on partnership, innovation, resilience, and the courage to think long term,” she said, while appreciating the Government and people of Angola, airport authorities, and the ACI Africa Secretariat for hosting the event.

She also acknowledged the role of Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA) in ensuring the success of the conference.

Highlighting Nigeria’s performance, Kuku revealed that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport recorded an 11.8 per cent growth in air traffic movements in 2025, the highest among Africa’s leading airports. The airport also ranked among the continent’s top performers in cargo, posting a 34.4 per cent increase, the highest within the top 10.

On domestic traffic, both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, ranked among Africa’s top 10 busiest airports.

Citing data from the Official Airline Guide, she stressed that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s second-largest domestic passenger market underscores its growing importance as a major aviation, logistics, and commercial hub on the continent.

“These are not just statistics,” Kuku noted,. She continued, “They reflect the growing strategic importance of Nigeria as a key aviation, logistics, and commercial hub on the continent.”

Looking ahead, she formally invited stakeholders to the next ACI Africa conference scheduled to be held from September 19 to 25, 2026, in Abuja.

Themed “Next Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” the event will focus on building airports that are agile, financially sustainable, technologically advanced, and customer-centric.

“Hosting this next conference is both an honour and a responsibility. We look forward to receiving you with the hospitality, energy, and spirit for which Nigeria is proudly known,” she added.