Nigeria now Africa’s 2nd largest domestic aviation market – FAAN

Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market, recording over 10.5 million passengers and a 10 per cent year-on-year growth, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said.

Olubunmi Kuku, the managing director and chief executive officer of FAAN disclosed this during her closing address at the ACI Africa regional conference and exhibition held in Luanda.

She noted that the milestone reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s aviation sector, describing airports as critical national assets that support trade, tourism, job creation, and regional integration.

Kuku said the Murtala Muhammed International Airport recorded an 11.8 per cent growth in air traffic movements in 2025 — the highest among leading airports on the continent.

The airport also ranked among the top performers in cargo, with a 34.4 per cent increase.

She added that both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and the Lagos airport were listed among Africa’s top 10 busiest airports for domestic traffic.

Citing data from the Official Airline Guide, Kuku said Nigeria’s ranking underscores its rising importance as a major aviation, logistics, and commercial hub in Africa.

“These are not just statistics; they reflect the growing strategic importance of Nigeria as a key aviation hub on the continent,” she said.

Also, she announced that Nigeria will host the next ACI Africa conference scheduled for September 19 to 25, 2026, in Abuja, with a focus on building resilient and technologically advanced airports across the continent.