The Nigerian aviation industry experienced a year of mixed outcomes in 2025, marked by both progress and setbacks. While there were notable achievements, widespread grievances among stakeholders persisted. This report highlights the key events and issues that defined the sector over the year.

Nigeria’s aviation sector faced several challenges, including rising airfares, regulatory and structural bottlenecks, weak infrastructure, limited access to affordable financing for operators, incidents of airport violence, and disputes arising from mistrust in concession arrangements.

These issues prompted local airlines to assert that the challenges contributed to a sharp increase in airfares, reinforcing the perception that air travel was becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian.

Airport Violence

In 2025, airport-related disruptions became a recurring theme, drawing significant public attention. High-profile incidents involved celebrities, politicians, and ordinary passengers, keeping Nigerians on edge over potential new incidents.

One of the most notable events involved Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, on 5 August at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Ayinde attempted to board a ValueJet flight with a flask exceeding the allowed liquid limit. After refusing to surrender it, he allegedly poured its contents on crew and security personnel and obstructed the aircraft from taxiing, delaying operations. Following the incident, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, and Ayinde was banned from flying for six months.

Less than a week later, a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, clashed with Ibom Air staff at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The altercation reportedly began when she refused to switch off her mobile phone as required, leading to a confrontation that escalated both onboard and at the airport. While the airline claimed she attacked crew and security personnel, other passengers disputed this, alleging staff rudeness. Aviation authorities later intervened diplomatically to resolve the matter.

Earlier in June, Air Peace refused to fly Senator Adams Oshiomhole, citing his alleged late arrival. The senator rejected this explanation, claiming the aircraft had been overbooked. The incident created significant media attention.

Airport Concession Controversies

The government’s push to concession major airports met resistance from aviation unions, who argued that draft agreements failed to protect workers’ interests.

The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees criticized the process, claiming they were kept in the dark. During a union congress at FAAN Freedom Square, all FAAN offices and gates were shut in protest. Union leaders argued that the concession plan lacked transparency and that delayed payments to retirees had eroded trust in the program.

N712bn Airport Refurbishment

In response to concerns over poor infrastructure, the government approved N712 billion under the Renewed Hope Special Intervention Fund for airport upgrades. The funds are allocated primarily for the refurbishment of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with additional works at Terminal Two including apron expansion, access roads, and bridges.

The Minister of Aviation clarified that Terminal One would be completely rebuilt, with all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems replaced, under a contract awarded to CCECC. Although some analysts questioned the high cost, the minister defended the budget as necessary for a full modernization.

The project was initially scheduled for completion in 22 months, targeting May 2027, but timelines have been extended by three months to accommodate temporary facilities for affected operators.

Fare Hikes

Airfare increases frustrated passengers throughout the year. During the festive season, one-way tickets on certain domestic routes surged by up to 150 percent, surpassing N300,000. South-South and South-East routes were particularly affected due to high demand.

Airlines attributed fare hikes to numerous government-imposed charges, claiming they pay over 18 different fees, especially to the civil aviation authority. While the authority denies this claim, high tax levels continue to impact ticket pricing.

Ground Handling Disputes

Mid-year, domestic airlines challenged ground handling companies over planned service charge increases. The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria proposed a 300 percent hike, which airlines deemed unacceptable.

A compromise was later reached, reducing the new handling rates by 15 percent. However, calls emerged for airlines with sufficient capacity to manage their own ground handling services.

Dry Lease Developments

After Nigeria’s removal from the global aviation blacklist and an improved international safety rating, Air Peace became the first airline in November to receive a dry-leased aircraft—a development not seen in nearly a decade.

A dry lease provides airlines with long-term rental of aircraft while allowing them to manage all operational aspects, including crew, maintenance, insurance, and fuel. This arrangement offers greater control and potential cost savings, signaling a positive shift in operational flexibility for Nigerian carriers.