Domestic Passenger Traffic Decline Worries Nigerian Airlines

Nigeria’s aviation industry is raising alarm over a sustained decline in domestic passenger traffic, with airlines and industry stakeholders warning that the trend could undermine airline viability and slow sector growth. Data from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) shows a steady drop in local passenger numbers over the past three years, falling from 14.06 million in 2022 to 12.54 million in 2024 an 11 percent decline.

Airline executives, including the Managing Director of Ibom Air, have said the downturn has continued into 2025, with early-year traffic down about 27 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

Industry figures point to high airfares driven by inflation, poor economic conditions and low disposable income as major contributors to the shrinking market, forcing many travelers to choose alternative modes of transport.

Operators and experts are calling for concerted action from airlines, regulators and the government to stimulate demand including promotional pricing, tax relief, and market-development strategies to make flying more affordable and attract more passengers back to domestic routes.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola