According to a recent report from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Arik Air transported 2,239,176 passengers across Nigeria in 2024. The airline operated a total of 10,699 flights between January 1 and December 31, making it the second most active carrier in the country after Air Peace.
Despite being under the receivership of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since 2017, Arik Air maintained a strong presence in the domestic market. The NCAA report states that Nigeria’s total domestic air passenger traffic for 2024 stood at 11,549,443, with inbound passengers at 5,727,700 and outbound at 5,821,743. This means Arik Air accounted for 19.3% of the total passenger movement and 15.1% of the 70,543 flights operated by 15 domestic airlines during the year.
The monthly breakdown of passenger traffic showed a consistent flow of travelers using Arik Air’s services. In January, the airline recorded 76,759 passengers (37,772 inbound, 38,987 outbound). In February, it carried 77,426 passengers (38,217 inbound, 39,209 outbound). March saw 74,825 passengers, while April had 63,297 passengers.
Commenting on this performance, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, Olumide Ohunayo, said: “Arik Air’s performance in 2024 stands out as exceptional, despite the airline being under AMCON receivership. The data released by the regulatory authority ranked Arik as second in domestic passenger traffic, moving 2,239,176 passengers—a testament to its resilience and strategic management under challenging conditions.”
He further noted that the airline maintained operational stability despite financial constraints, fleet limitations, and legal challenges. He also pointed out that Arik Air faced disruptions due to a court order grounding some of its aircraft in 2023.
Managing Director of Top Brass Aviation Limited, Roland Iyayi, also shared his thoughts on the report, stating: “Arik Air transporting 2.2 million passengers and securing the second position in Nigeria’s domestic market, ahead of competitors like Ibom Air (1.3 million), Max Air (915,918), and Aero Contractors (964,900), is a huge and massive achievement, considering the disruptions the airline had suffered under receivership.”
Iyayi further noted that Arik Air’s ability to sustain operations despite financial limitations and an aging fleet was remarkable. He credited AMCON’s role in keeping the airline stable, ensuring it continued to serve passengers, and maintaining its position in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
