Nigeria’s aviation sector is experiencing a boom in international travel, but local airlines, including those operating from Rivers State, are struggling to keep up. Foreign carriers are reaping significant profits, generating an estimated $1.7 billion annually from Nigerian routes, while domestic operators like Air Peace hold just under 10% of the market share.
The 2025 Weekly Foreign Airlines Flight Frequencies report released September 1, highlights that 18 foreign airlines operate 200 weekly flights, offering 54,997 seats to passengers traveling from Nigeria’s five international airports, including Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers State. In contrast, Nigerian airlines provide only 5,498 weekly seats, mostly on regional and limited international routes.
The dominance of foreign airlines stems from Nigeria’s large population and high demand for international travel, particularly for business and leisure. Ethiopian Airlines leads with 8,275 weekly seats, followed by Emirates with 6,314, operating across cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
Other carriers, such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Delta, also maintain a strong presence. Peter Adenihun, Managing Director of JAMS Aviation, noted that Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with over 80 countries allow foreign airlines to operate extensively in Nigeria. However, local carriers face challenges like aging aircraft, inadequate infrastructure, and operational complexities, which limit their ability to compete.
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In Rivers State, Port Harcourt International Airport serves as a key hub, but local airlines struggle to match the capacity and service quality of foreign competitors. The disparity has led to significant foreign exchange outflows, as most ticket revenues go to foreign carriers and are repatriated, straining Nigeria’s economy. Experts like Sheri Kyari, a former Nigeria Airways engineer, argue that the country has not seen positive economic growth from aviation since foreign airlines began dominating the market.
To address this imbalance, industry leaders are calling for stronger government support, including fairer BASA reciprocity and better slot access for Nigerian airlines. Local carriers like Air Peace are expanding, with plans to acquire 16 Embraer E195-E2 jets, five of which have been delivered as of September 2025. These efforts aim to boost capacity and competitiveness, particularly on international routes from hubs like Port Harcourt, but significant challenges remain for Nigeria’s aviation sector to reclaim its market share.
