Nigeria recorded over 10 per cent growth in passenger traffic last year, with the country now serving as Africa's second-largest domestic aviation market, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said.
Olubunmi Kuku, FAAN's managing director, disclosed that Nigeria handled over 10.5 million passengers during the period. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos led the way with 11.8 per cent growth in air traffic movements, the highest among Africa's major airports. The same airport posted a 34.4 per cent jump in cargo operations, ranking it among the continent's top performers in freight.
Both Lagos and Abuja airports now rank among Africa's ten busiest terminals. The growth reflects a broader recovery in Nigerian aviation after years of operational challenges, from fuel shortages to currency pressures that had dampened the sector.
Across the continent, the International Air Transport Association forecasts that Africa will grow at six per cent in 2026, outpacing the global average of 4.9 per cent. Kamil Alawadhi, IATA's regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, said passenger numbers will double by 2044 if current trends hold. East Africa will lead this expansion, with the region expecting 400 million annual passengers within two decades.
The numbers are striking. Africa's passenger demand rose 11.9 per cent last year, well above the global figure of around nine per cent. Cargo demand jumped 21 per cent on the continent compared to 11.2 per cent globally. Aviation already supports 8.1 million jobs across Africa and contributes around 75 billion dollars to regional GDP annually. Tourism benefits add another 442 billion dollars when indirect spending is counted.
Yet the optimism masks serious problems. African airlines remain unprofitable as a group, with the continent projected to earn just 200 million dollars in net profit this year despite robust passenger growth. That gap between demand and profitability tells a harder story about operating costs.
African airlines face the world's highest unit costs, roughly double the global average. Fuel represents the biggest expense, but the problems run deeper. Aircraft fleets are on average five years older than the global norm, meaning more money spent on maintenance and fuel consumption. Tax rates in African countries run 28 per cent higher than elsewhere. Many markets remain fragmented, preventing airlines from achieving the economies of scale that competitors enjoy in Europe or North America.
Africa currently accounts for just two per cent of global passenger traffic, a share that has remained flat since 2000 despite rapid growth. Asia Pacific now captures 34 per cent of world traffic, Europe holds 27 per cent, and North America commands 22 per cent. The region's share will grow, but the aviation industry's profit problem means African carriers will struggle to invest in newer aircraft, better services, or expanded networks without significant operational reforms.
Kuku said Nigeria and Africa must prioritize airport infrastructure improvements and build partnerships across the sector. She stressed that long-term thinking, innovation, and resilience will determine whether African aviation can translate passenger growth into sustainable business success. IATA and African aviation authorities will continue monitoring profitability pressures as the region pursues its expansion targets.
