Nigerians Must Work 37 Days to Afford Local Flight, Says IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has disclosed that Nigerians need to work an average of 37.6 days to afford a local flight ticket, highlighting the cost burden of air travel in the country.

In a report titled “The Value of Air Transport to Nigeria’s Economy,” IATA revealed that aviation contributes at least $2.5 billion annually to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), representing 0.7 per cent of the economy. The sector also provides 39,500 direct jobs, while supporting over 217,000 jobs in total.

According to IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, the average real airfare in Nigeria fell by 43 per cent between 2011 and 2023. Despite this, affordability remains a challenge for most citizens.

The report showed that in 2023, 40 flights were taken per 1,000 Nigerians, while air cargo throughput stood at 195,700 tonnes, supporting both imports and exports.

Breaking down aviation’s economic impact, the report noted that airlines contributed $449.7 million and 29,900 jobs, while airports, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), and civil manufacturing generated $252.4 million and 9,600 jobs. Tourism supported by air travel accounted for $454.1 million and 66,600 jobs.

International tourists were estimated to contribute $760.2 million annually to Nigeria’s economy through spending on goods and services.

On passenger movement, the report revealed that international traffic represented 23 per cent of total departures in 2023, with Europe being the largest market, followed by Africa and North America. About 780,700 passengers (38 per cent) flew to Europe, 485,400 (23 per cent) to Africa, and 373,000 (18 per cent) to North America.

However, Nigeria’s international air connectivity index has declined, falling by 1.5 per cent within Africa and by 21 per cent with other regions since 2014.

Alawadhi described aviation as a “powerful engine for economic and social development,” adding that the industry boosts global trade, investment, and innovation, while enabling efficient supply chains and driving growth in e-commerce.

“Air transport supports over 217,000 jobs and contributes $2.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. With one of the fastest-growing populations in Africa and the world, there is immense opportunity for future growth,” he said.