Nigeria

Market overview

Nigeria is West Africa's largest air market and one of Africa's fastest-growing. The airport authority FAAN counted 13.09 million domestic and about 4.85 million international passengers in 2025, about 17.9 million in all. Growth sped up in 2026: scheduled seat capacity in September 2026 was 37.4% higher than a year earlier, the fastest rise among Africa's major markets. The market is split. Nigerian private airlines dominate domestic flying but are short of serviceable aircraft, which leads to cancellations and delays. On international routes, foreign airlines carry about 90% of passengers, and more than 30 of them fly into Nigeria every day. Lagos Murtala Muhammed International is having its terminal rehabilitated and modernised, and it led Africa's ten busiest hubs for capacity growth in September 2026. For suppliers, the clearest gaps are maintenance and spares to keep local fleets flying, aircraft leasing, and airport upgrades.

Key facts

• 13.09 million domestic passengers in 2025, up about 4.3% (FAAN, June 2026).
• About 4.85 million international passengers in 2025, up about 10.3% (FAAN, June 2026).
• About 90% of international passengers fly with foreign airlines; more than 30 foreign airlines fly in daily on more than 90 bilateral routes (June 2026).
• Scheduled seat capacity of about 1.19 million in September 2026, up 37.4% year on year (Sep 2026).
• Lagos Murtala Muhammed's seat capacity rose 24.1% in September 2026, the most among Africa's 10 busiest hubs.

Key figures

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).

Did you know

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and West Africa's biggest air market.