Air Transportation Development and Econo

This work is an evaluation of the influence of air transport sector development on economic growth in Nigeria. Over the years, various governments of Nigeria have put in place a series of policy instruments for the development of the aviation sector as sinews to bolster the desired growth. However, the air transport system continues to mirror inefficiency, mismanagement, and airline mishaps. This study developed a series of econometric models, including dynamic ordinary regression equations, cointegration, error correction models, and Granger causality techniques to examine the relationship between air transport and economic growth. The analyses suggest a positive influence of air transport on economic growth, a long-run equilibrium relationship, and a causal unidirectional relationship from air transport to economic growth. The diagnostic test for the normality of the model showed that the model functional form is adequate, stable with no serial correlation. From the analysis, this study recommends a proactive and dynamic cohesive transport policy that benefits all stakeholders. Additionally, the sector must improve its managerial expertise guided by adequate transparency and accountability to achieve results and develop the sector to an international standard worthy of emulation.