Keyamo Directs Airlines to Prioritize Military Personnel on Flights

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has directed all Nigerian airlines to give serving military personnel priority boarding, ahead of first- and business-class passengers.

The minister made the announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during a stakeholder meeting on preparations for Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration of Aviation and the inaugural Nigerian International Air Show, scheduled for December 2–4, 2025.

Keyamo explained that the directive is meant to honour the dedication and sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces. “This is a practice followed in other countries, and it is only right that we emulate it. It is the least we can do to recognise our serving military personnel,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, noted that the policy would soon be communicated to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for implementation. He described the initiative as “symbolic and commendable,” emphasizing that it visibly expresses national appreciation for the military.

The directive aligns Nigeria with international aviation practices in countries like the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, where active-duty military personnel are routinely allowed to board flights before other passengers. In the U.S., airlines such as Delta, American, and Southwest have long provided this privilege upon presentation of valid military identification.