Arik Air transports over 2.2m passengers in 2024, ranks second in domestic travel —  NCAA Report

Arik Air transported a total of 2,239,176 passengers between 1st January and 31st December 2024, according to a report from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Despite operating under the receivership of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since 2017, the airline maintained a strong presence in the industry, completing 10,699 flights within the year. This placed Arik Air as the second busiest airline in Nigeria in terms of passenger traffic and flight operations, trailing only Air Peace.

The NCAA report revealed that 11,549,443 passengers travelled on domestic flights in 2024, comprising 5,727,700 inbound and 5,821,743 outbound passengers. Arik Air accounted for 19.3% of total passenger traffic for the year and operated 15.1% of the 70,543 flights flown by Nigeria’s 15 domestic airlines.

According to the Executive Summary on International and Domestic Flight Operations 2024, compiled by the NCAA, Arik Air recorded 1,112,358 inbound passengers and 1,126,818 outbound passengers, totalling 2,239,176 travellers for the year.

The report detailed Arik Air’s monthly passenger figures throughout the year. In January, the airline transported 37,772 inbound and 38,987 outbound passengers, totalling 76,759. February saw 38,217 inbound and 39,209 outbound passengers, amounting to 77,426.

In March, the airline recorded 37,183 inbound and 37,642 outbound passengers, bringing the total to 74,825. April’s numbers were slightly lower, with 31,326 inbound and 31,971 outbound passengers, totalling 63,297.

In May, Arik Air carried 39,006 inbound and 39,765 outbound passengers, summing up to 78,771. June recorded 37,710 inbound and 38,617 outbound passengers, reaching 76,327 in total.

The highest numbers of the year were seen in July, with 156,146 inbound and 159,044 outbound passengers, totalling 315,190. August saw a slight dip to 153,080 inbound and 144,259 outbound, making 297,339 in total. September followed closely with 143,396 inbound and 145,096 outbound, equalling 288,492 passengers.

October saw a decline, with 129,506 inbound and 133,330 outbound passengers, totalling 262,836. However, numbers surged again in November, recording 252,448 inbound and 255,578 outbound passengers, totalling 508,026. December had a relatively lower figure of 56,568 inbound and 63,322 outbound passengers, making a total of 119,890.

A monthly analysis of Arik Air’s flight operations in 2024 showed consistency, with flight numbers peaking in November. The airline operated 380 flights in January, increasing to 419 in February and 468 in March. April saw a slight decline to 340 flights, while May and June recorded 374 and 350 flights, respectively.

July witnessed a significant increase, with the airline operating 1,403 flights—the highest for any single month. In August, Arik Air completed 1,320 flights, followed by 1,352 flights in September and 1,266 in October. The highest operational figure was recorded in November, when the airline flew 2,442 flights, before dropping to 585 flights in December.

Throughout the year, Arik Air received only 190 passenger complaints, most of which were promptly resolved. January saw no recorded complaints, while February had only two, and March just one. The airline received four complaints in April, two in May, and one in June.

Complaints slightly increased in the second half of the year, with three in July and seven in August. September recorded 28 complaints, followed by 50 in October and 67 in November, before dropping to 25 in December.

Remarkably, Arik Air did not report a single case of missing baggage in 2024. The 84 cases of delayed baggage recorded during the year were successfully reunited with their owners, according to NCAA data. Additionally, the airline maintained an exceptional record in overbooking, with only one reported case of denied boarding across its 10,699 flights in 2024. This incident occurred in October.

Commenting on Arik Air’s performance, Olumide Ohunayo, General Secretary of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, described the airline’s achievements in 2024 as outstanding, given its receivership status under AMCON.

“The regulatory authority’s data ranks Arik Air as second in domestic passenger traffic, having transported 2,239,176 passengers. This is a testament to its resilience and effective management despite financial difficulties,” Ohunayo stated.

“With a 13.4% market share out of the 11.5 million domestic passengers, Arik Air’s sustained dominance demonstrates strong operational efficiency. Despite challenges such as financial constraints, fleet limitations, ongoing litigation, and regulatory hurdles, the airline has maintained a stable operational framework, ensuring efficient route planning and meeting passenger demand.”

Ohunayo also referenced the disruptions Arik Air faced due to a court order grounding some of its aircraft, noting that mediation would have been a more viable option than an immediate grounding.

Despite its restricted access to new investment, an ageing fleet, and regulatory challenges linked to its receivership, Arik Air has continued to function as a reliable airline in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Ohunayo acknowledged the crucial role of AMCON in stabilising the airline, stating, “The strategic intervention by AMCON has played a significant role in ensuring Arik Air’s continued operations. Without AMCON’s backing, the airline would struggle to retain its position as a key player in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

“Arik Air’s ability to succeed under receivership reinforces AMCON’s commitment to preserving jobs, sustaining economic contributions, and maintaining safe, efficient airline services for Nigerian travellers.”