Nigeria recorded the fastest growth in scheduled airline capacity among Africa’s largest aviation markets in July, as domestic airlines expanded fleets, increased frequencies and added more seats to meet rising passenger demand, according to the latest African Aviation Market report released by OAG.
The report showed Nigeria’s total scheduled seat capacity rose by 44.5 per cent year-on-year to 1.22 million seats, the strongest growth among the continent’s top 10 aviation markets. Domestic capacity increased by 54.8 per cent to 921,100 seats, while Africa’s overall airline capacity grew 7.5 per cent to 26.3 million seats during the period.
The expansion reflects increased aircraft deployment by Nigerian airlines as operators invest in additional capacity to serve domestic and regional routes. Industry data indicate that airlines have been adding aircraft to support growing travel demand and strengthen route networks across the country.
Among the carriers, Air Peace recorded the largest increase in scheduled seats on the continent, adding about 121,000 seats compared with July 2025, representing a 50.6 per cent increase. The expansion returned the airline to OAG’s list of Africa’s 10 largest airlines by scheduled capacity after several months outside the ranking.
The report also showed that Air Peace operated about 360,200 scheduled seats during the month, ranking 10th in Africa, while Ethiopian Airlines retained its position as the continent’s largest carrier with more than 2.13 million seats. Royal Air Maroc recorded the second-largest increase in seat capacity during the period.
Nigeria’s performance comes as local airlines continue expanding their fleets. Air Peace recently added Boeing 737 and Embraer aircraft to support domestic and international operations, while United Nigeria Airlines also introduced additional Boeing aircraft into its fleet. The investments have increased available seats and supported higher flight frequencies on several routes.
Aircraft manufacturers and aviation service providers, the increase in fleet size also creates demand beyond aircraft deliveries. Every additional aircraft entering service requires continuing maintenance, spare parts support, engineering services, technical training and operational assistance throughout its service life, creating recurring business opportunities across the aviation value chain.
The capacity growth also has implications for airports, ground handling companies, fuel suppliers, maintenance organizations and aviation training institutions, whose revenues are closely linked to aircraft utilisation and passenger traffic. Higher flight frequencies translate into more landing charges, passenger service charges, ground handling activities and maintenance work across the industry.
Although Nigeria posted the fastest growth rate among Africa’s leading aviation markets, Egypt remained the continent’s largest market with about 2.93 million scheduled seats, followed by South Africa, Morocco and Ethiopia. OAG noted that North Africa continues to account for the largest share of the continent’s aviation market, while West and Central Africa recorded the fastest pace of expansion.
