“Moving 19.3% of Nigeria’s domestic passengers under receivership is exceptional. Despite legal and financial hurdles, Arik maintained operational stability.”
Arik Air transported 2,239,176 passengers in 2024, according to a report from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Furthermore, the airline, under the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) receivership since 2017, operated 10,699 flights, accounting for 15.1% of the 70,543 flights conducted by all 15 domestic airlines. These figures confirm that Arik Air did well in the domestic market operations despite its financial constraints.
The NCAA report revealed that total domestic air travel in 2024 reached 11,549,443 passengers. This comprises 5,727,700 inbound and 5,821,743 outbound travelers. Impressively, Arik Air captured 19.3% of this traffic, solidifying its position as a major player. In fact, the airline’s ability to hold sway in the domestic market becomes even more notable considering its receivership status.
Monthly performance data showed Arik Air’s passenger traffic peaked in November (508,026 passengers) and July (315,190 passengers). Similarly, flight operations surged to 2,442 flights in November and 1,403 in July. These numbers demonstrate consistent operational capacity despite challenges.
Operationally, the airline maintained high standards with only 190 complaints in 2024. Remarkably, it recorded zero baggage losses and just one overbooking incident in October. Additionally, no complaints arose in January, while the airline resolved all 84 delayed baggage cases promptly.
Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative General Secretary Olumide Ohunayo praised Arik’s performance: “Moving 19.3% of Nigeria’s domestic passengers under receivership is exceptional. Despite legal and financial hurdles, Arik maintained operational stability.” He further noted that the airline’s ability to dominate the domestic market under such conditions speaks volumes about its management.
Top Brass Aviation Managing Director Roland Iyayi added perspective: “Arik performs remarkably despite its limited capital access and aging fleet. AMCON’s support crucially maintains operations.” Iyayi emphasized, “AMCON’s intervention saved the aviation sector from losing a key contributor.”
In conclusion, while operating under receivership, Arik Air not only survived but thrived, demonstrating its ability to dominate the domestic market. The airline’s 19.3% market share and transport of 2.2 million passengers in 2024 underscore its continued importance to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
