Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, recorded the highest seat increase among African airlines in July 2026, according to a report from aviation analytics firm OAG. The airline added 250,000 seats compared to the same month in 2025, representing a 35% growth in capacity.
Details of the Seat Increase
The OAG report, released on July 10, 2026, showed that Air Peace’s total seat capacity for July 2026 reached 965,000, up from 715,000 in July 2025. This growth was driven by the launch of new routes to Dubai, London, and Johannesburg, as well as increased frequencies on domestic routes.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to expanding connectivity for Nigerians and positioning Lagos as a major aviation hub in Africa,” said Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema in a statement.
Comparison with Other African Airlines
Air Peace’s 35% seat increase outpaced other major African carriers. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline by fleet size, recorded a 12% increase, adding 180,000 seats. Kenya Airways saw a 9% rise, while South African Airways grew by 5%. The report noted that Air Peace now accounts for 8% of total seat capacity in Africa, up from 6% in 2025.
Impact on Nigerian Aviation
The seat increase is expected to boost Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has faced challenges including high fuel costs and foreign exchange scarcity. Industry analysts say Air Peace’s expansion could lower airfares on popular routes and stimulate tourism and business travel.
“Air Peace’s growth is a positive sign for the Nigerian economy. It shows that local airlines can compete globally if they have the right strategy and support,” said aviation consultant Olumide Ohunayo.
Future Plans
Air Peace plans to add five more aircraft to its fleet by the end of 2026, including two Boeing 787 Dreamliners for long-haul routes. The airline also intends to launch flights to the United States and China in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.
