Turbulence defined Nigeria’s aviation sector in 2025 as passengers endured repeated disruptions, cancellations, and operational uncertainties throughout the year.
The period witnessed widespread in-flight incidents, passenger misconduct, and regulatory penalties that compelled airlines to tighten their internal systems.
Viral footages of unruly travellers both on the ground and onboard aircraft also triggered nationwide conversations about aviation discipline and safety.
In-flight chaos and unruly airport behaviour
The year recorded several episodes of disorderly conduct which attracted sanctions and disrupted normal operations across airports and airlines.
On January 8, a female passenger identified as Chiamaka Ubani reportedly obstructed movement inside an Ibom Air aircraft in Uyo after insisting she would not travel without her checked-in luggage.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority explained that the luggage, alongside those of other passengers, had been offloaded due to weight constraints on the aircraft.
The authority stated that Ubani blocked the aisle and refused to allow departure until her bag was returned, forcing the pilot to cancel the flight before the police filed charges against her.
On June 11, Air Peace condemned the conduct of senator representing Edo north, Adams Oshiomhole, at the Zulu Hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos.
Trending videos showed the senator seated at the terminal gate and arguing with airport officials over a missed Lagos-Abuja flight.
Air Peace accused him of assaulting its staff and barricading the terminal entrance, but Oshiomhole later alleged extortion and arbitrary policies by the airline.
On August 5, renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, was involved in an incident that stopped a ValueJet aircraft from departing Abuja.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria said he attempted to board with a liquid substance inside a flask, which was later confirmed to be alcohol, and the liquid was spilt on a security officer during checks.
The NCAA suspended the ValueJet pilots involved and placed Ayinde on a no-fly list which was first issued for six months, reviewed indefinitely, and eventually reduced to one month while the pilots were reinstated.
Five days after the incident, a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, allegedly assaulted cabin crew onboard an Ibom Air flight after refusing to switch off her mobile phone before take-off.
The airline barred her from flying, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria placed her on a lifetime no-fly list, although the decision was later lifted after legal proceedings.
The year also recorded a viral video of security operatives dragging a passenger from an Enugu Air flight over refusal to switch off a mobile phone, alongside another incident involving Mr Jollof and VeryDarkMan who engaged in a brawl onboard a United Nigeria flight.
Reacting, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu, condemned the acts as “unruly behaviour’’ and warned that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Regulatory sanctions
The NCAA sustained clampdowns on consumer rights violations and issued several penalties in 2025.
On February 11, the authority hinted at more sanctions after earlier fining five airlines for breaching passenger protection rules.
On May 7, Kenya Airways was penalised and given seven days to compensate passengers after a viral incident involving Nigerian traveller, Gloria Omisore.
A video earlier posted by Tunde Moshood, special adviser to the minister of aviation, showed Omisore lamenting alleged unfair treatment of Nigerian passengers by the airline.
By September, Kenya Airways had paid outstanding fines associated with Omisore’s issue and other consumer-related breaches.
On November 19, Qatar Airways was also fined N5m for allegedly disregarding passenger rights and treating Nigerian travellers with contempt.
The NCAA warned that tougher punishments await airlines that fail to obey aviation regulations, adding that airports without valid permits would be sanctioned from January 1, 2026.
Major achievements despite turbulence
Despite the controversies, the sector recorded notable milestones including new airline operations, expanded routes, and major aviation advancements.
The minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, launched Enugu Air for domestic service and hinted at future regional expansion.
Flight activities commenced at the Gateway International Airport in Ogun state on October 7, boosting local connectivity and accessibility.
Nigeria also recorded a breakthrough on November 8 after taking delivery of a dry-leased aircraft from AerCap Holdings, the first in over a decade, handed to Air Peace.
The Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo secured approval for international operations, while the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport in Ado-Ekiti launched commercial flights.
The high point of the year was Nigeria’s first-ever international air show which gathered global aviation stakeholders for exhibitions, investment deals, and strategic engagements.