Nigeria’s aviation sector faced numerous challenges in 2025, including rising airfares, regulatory issues, and infrastructure problems. The industry experienced a surge in airfares, making air travel less accessible to ordinary Nigerians. According to reports, one-way tickets on certain domestic routes increased by around 150% during the festive season, exceeding N300,000.
Incidents of airport violence also made headlines, with prominent cases involving a popular musician, Wasiu Ayinde, and a serving senator, Adams Oshiomhole. Additionally, a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, was involved in a confrontation with airport workers and Ibom Air staff, which escalated into a violent incident. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, intervened in the matter, and the passenger was later released from a correctional facility.
The government’s plans to concession major airports were met with criticism from aviation unions, who argued that the draft concession agreements did not adequately represent workers’ interests. The unions expressed concerns about the potential impact on their jobs and entitlements, citing the delayed payment of retirees’ entitlements as a major issue.
In response to growing concerns about airport infrastructure, the Federal Government approved N712bn for the refurbishment of Terminal One at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The project, which includes the replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, is expected to take 25 months to complete, although industry insiders have expressed doubts about the feasibility of the timeline.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also resolved a dispute between domestic airlines and ground handling companies over a planned increase in service charges. The parties agreed to a 15% reduction in the new safety threshold handling rates, although the issue may not be fully resolved.
In a positive development, Air Peace received a dry-leased aircraft in November, marking the first time an Nigerian airline has accessed a dry-leased aircraft in nearly a decade. This move is expected to improve the airline’s operational efficiency and reduce costs.
Overall, Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to face significant challenges, including infrastructure problems, regulatory issues, and concerns about worker welfare. However, efforts to address these challenges and improve the industry’s efficiency are underway, with the potential to enhance the overall air travel experience for passengers.
