The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has disclosed that two to three domestic airlines are set to receive targeted support to develop into Nigerian flag carriers.

She made this known at the first-quarter Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative held during the week, according to a post shared on her official X account.

Kuku, however, did not name the airlines expected to benefit from the initiative. She explained that the proposed support is designed to strengthen indigenous carriers and enhance the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The development is significant given that most domestic airlines largely operate within Nigeria, while Air Peace remains one of the few local carriers with a visible footprint on international routes.

The FAAN MD added that the initiative is projected to substantially boost both passenger and cargo traffic across the country’s aviation network.

“Earlier today, at the Q1 Business Breakfast Meeting of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative, FAAN MD/CE Mrs Olubunmi Kuku emphasised strategic support for 2–3 Nigerian airlines to become National Flag Carriers, a move expected to boost passenger and cargo traffic.”

She further noted that empowering local airlines to operate at the level of a national carrier would unlock greater value across the broader aviation ecosystem.

Kuku stated that beyond supporting airlines, the FAAN is rolling out wider infrastructure and operational upgrades aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing passenger experience.

She cited ongoing efforts to upgrade facilities and streamline processes at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, alongside plans to develop modern cargo terminals and cold-chain systems to strengthen air freight operations across the country.

She further explained that the measures are aimed at deepening the resilience of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and equipping it to effectively handle increasing traffic in both passenger and cargo operations.

The decision to back two to three domestic airlines comes more than two years after the suspension of Nigeria Air, the country’s planned national carrier unveiled in 2023.

The project was initiated under former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of efforts to revive the defunct Nigerian Airways.