By Anscella Obike
Nigeria’s aviation industry reached a major milestone this December as the country successfully hosted its first-ever International Air Show from December 2 to 4, 2025. The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja became the centre of attention for global aviation stakeholders, marking a significant stride in the sector’s development and international relevance.
Organised by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the event brought together airline executives, aircraft manufacturers, aviation regulators, investors, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond. Aviation officials described the show as a platform not only for showcasing technological and operational achievements but also for positioning Nigeria as a hub for continental air travel and aerospace investment.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the air show reflects Nigeria’s “most ambitious effort yet” to demonstrate its aviation capabilities and attract long-term partnerships. He emphasised that such engagement would be key to unlocking new investments, stimulating tourism, and expanding opportunities in aerospace research and commercial aviation.
Air Peace Leads the Way
One of the major highlights of the air show was the dominance of Air Peace Limited, Nigeria’s largest airline. The carrier clinched the prestigious “Airline of the Year” award, the highest honour at the event, in recognition of its rapid growth, fleet modernisation, and expanding route network. The award was presented by Minister Keyamo, signalling government endorsement of the airline’s achievements.
In addition, Air Peace’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, was named “Aviation Executive of the Year”. The citation highlighted his role in transforming Air Peace from a modest domestic operator into one of Africa’s most competitive carriers. The airline’s fleet today includes modern Embraer 195-E2 jets and widebody Boeing 777 aircraft, positioning it to compete on both regional and intercontinental routes.
Analysts say Air Peace’s success is not accidental. Since its founding in 2014, the airline has pursued aggressive expansion, including launching direct flights to London airports such as Gatwick and Heathrow, a first for any Nigerian carrier. These international routes have enhanced connectivity between Nigeria and the global diaspora while showcasing local capacity to operate long-haul services.
Strategic Importance of the Air Show
Beyond awards and accolades, the International Air Show served strategic objectives for Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. The event provided a forum for partnerships among regulators, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and aerospace firms.
Exhibitors included global industry players who shared insights on emerging technologies, ground-handling innovations, pilot training systems, and airport management solutions.
Experts say such interactions are vital for Nigeria to enhance safety standards, ramp up infrastructure development, and attract foreign direct investment. By hosting an event of this scale, Nigeria has signalled its readiness to deepen collaboration with international partners and position itself as a major aviation hub in Africa.
Airport Upgrades and Industry Growth
Complementing the air show’s success are ongoing physical upgrades and modernisation efforts across the country’s airport network. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has revealed plans to rehabilitate runways and expand terminals at several major airports, including Lagos, Abuja, and regional hubs. The upgrades aim to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and support growing passenger traffic.
FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, noted that many runways and facilities built in the 1970s have outlived their lifespan and now require major investment. The authority is pursuing innovative revenue streams and private sector participation to help fund these projects while maintaining service quality.
In parallel, projections from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suggest that air passenger traffic could rise to over 25.7 million by 2029, generating approximately $2.58 billion in revenue through expanded services, improved infrastructure, and enhanced global connectivity. These forecasts underscore the sector’s importance to national economic growth.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While this year’s air show and industry milestones have injected optimism into Nigeria’s aviation narrative, challenges remain. Issues such as financing for large-scale infrastructure upgrades, airline operational sustainability, and compliance with global safety standards require continued attention. Industry stakeholders emphasise the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, and improved airline competitiveness to fully realise the sector’s potential.
Nevertheless, many aviation analysts believe Nigeria is on an upward trajectory. The successful hosting of the International Air Show, recognition of local carriers, and ongoing airport enhancements paint a picture of a sector that is not only recovering from past setbacks but also carving a distinct role for itself on the African and global aviation stage.
Overall, the maiden Nigeria International Air Show marked a defining moment for the nation’s aviation industry. With Air Peace leading the accolades, government officials championing infrastructure reforms, and airlines expanding regional and international networks, Nigeria’s aviation landscape is poised for renewed growth. As the sector continues to embrace innovation, partnerships, and strategic investments, the sky may truly be the limit for aviation in Nigeria.