LUANDA, Angola – Nigeria has solidified its position as Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market after recording more than 10.5 million passengers and a 10 percent year-on-year growth in domestic traffic
Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), disclosed this milestone during her closing address at the ACI Africa Regional Conference & Exhibition held in Luanda, Angola.
Kuku highlighted Nigeria’s growing prominence in the continent’s aviation sector while addressing aviation stakeholders under the conference theme “Stronger Airports, Stronger Africa.” The event focused on enhancing airport infrastructure, forging partnerships, and driving innovation to boost economic growth across Africa.
She described airports as vital national assets that extend far beyond mere transit points, emphasising their critical 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,” Kuku stated. She expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Angola, the airport authorities, and the ACI Africa Secretariat for successfully hosting the conference, while also acknowledging the contributions of Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos (SGA).
Presenting key performance indicators, Kuku revealed that Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos achieved an 11.8 percent growth in air traffic movements in 2025 — the highest among Africa’s major airports. The same airport also recorded the highest cargo growth rate among the continent’s top 10 airports, surging by 34.4 percent.
On the domestic front, both Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja ranked among Africa’s 10 busiest airports for domestic passenger traffic.
Citing data from the Official Airline Guide, Kuku stressed that Nigeria’s emergence as the second-largest domestic passenger market in Africa underscores the country’s rising importance as a major aviation, logistics, and commercial hub on the continent.
“These are not just statistics,” she noted. “They reflect the growing strategic importance of Nigeria as a key aviation, logistics, and commercial hub on the continent.”
Kuku used the platform to formally invite aviation stakeholders to the next ACI Africa conference, scheduled to hold from September 19 to 25, 2026, in Abuja. The upcoming event, themed “Next Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience,” will focus on developing 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.
The positive developments signal continued progress in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with improved infrastructure and passenger growth positioning the country as a continental leader in domestic air travel.
