28/05/2025
List Of All International & Local Airlines In Nigeria
By
Oyinda
January 30, 2024
The history of airlines in Nigeria is marked by significant developments and changes, reflecting the growth of aviation within the country. In this detailed article, we will be dwelling on International airlines, local airlines in Nigeria, the best airlines in Nigeria, top 10 & top 20 airlines as well as new and existing air carriers that focus on local flights in Nigeria.
Before we go into the full list, here is a list of the new airlines in Nigeria and their history;
Table Of Contents hide
1 List of New Airlines In Nigeria
1.1 #1. Nigeria Air
1.2 #2. United Nigeria Airlines
1.3 #3. NG Eagle
2 Best Airlines in Nigeria
2.1 Arik Air
2.2 Air Peace
2.3 Dana Air
2.4 Med-View Airlines
2.5 United Nigeria Airlines
3 History of Airlines in Nigeria
3.1 1. Pre-Independence Era:
3.2 2. Post-Independence Expansion:
3.3 3. 1970s – 1980s – Deregulation and Expansion:
3.4 4. 1990s: Privatization and Liberalization:
3.5 5. 2000s – 2010s: Challenges and Opportunities:
3.6 6. Recent Developments:
4 List of Top 21 Airlines in Nigeria
5 International Airlines in Nigeria
5.1 1. British Airways
5.2 2. Emirates
5.3 3. Turkish Airlines
5.4 4. Ethiopian Airlines
5.5 5. Safarilink Airlines
5.6 6. Qatar Airways
5.7 7. Lufthansa
5.8 8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
5.9 9. Air France
5.10 10. EgyptAir
5.11 11. South African Airways
5.12 12. Air Peace
6 Local Airlines In Nigeria And Their Websites
7 How to Get the Cheapest Local Flight In Nigeria
7.1 Flight Booking Champions:
7.2 Airline Adventures:
7.3 Related
List of New Airlines In Nigeria
A myriad of new airlines have been approved of late to ply international and local routes within the country. Some have already risen to prominence within a short period of time while some are relatively little known.
#1. Nigeria Air
Nigeria Air is the official National Carrier for the Federation which was unveiled to much controversy 3 days to the inauguration of President Tinubu’s Government. The government had plans to establish a new national airline called “Nigeria Air” as a replacement for the defunct Nigerian Airways. Last year July, the Federal Executive Council approved 3 Aircrafts to enable the Airline commence operations.
Book Nigeria Air here
#2. United Nigeria Airlines
This is a relatively new airline that was established with the aim of providing domestic flight services within Nigeria. The airline’s focus is on connecting various cities within the country, contributing to improved air travel options and connectivity for Nigerians.
United Nigeria Airlines commenced operations in February 2021 and operates local flights to several destinations within Nigeria. It is one of the airlines contributing to the development and expansion of Nigeria’s aviation industry by providing more options for travelers.
Book United Nigeria Airlines flight Here
#3. NG Eagle
NG Eagle has finally taken off for its first domestic flight after applying for its first certification two years ago.
According to the Managing Director of the new airline, Capt. Dare, “the airline was inspired by Nigeria’s energetic entrepreneurial business environment, known as Naija Spirit.”
Book NG Eagle Flight Here
Best Airlines in Nigeria
The concept of the “best airline in Nigeria” can be subjective, differing from person to person and can depend on various factors such as safety records, customer service, route network, on-time performance, and passenger amenities. Here are a few airlines in Nigeria that are considered the best in the country:
Arik Air
Arik is one of the largest and more established Air Carriers in Nigeria. It operates both domestic and international flights and was known for offering a relatively extensive route network.
Air Peace
Air Peace is another prominent Nigerian airline that has gained popularity for its domestic and regional services. It was known for its commitment to safety and expanding its fleet.
Dana Air
Dana Air is a functional domestic airline operating flights within Nigeria. It has gained recognition for its customer service and punctuality.
Med-View Airlines
Med-View Airlines also offers domestic and international flights. It was known for its Hajj operations and charter services.
United Nigeria Airlines
As mentioned earlier, United Nigeria Airlines is a newer player in the Nigerian aviation scene but has been making efforts to provide reliable domestic flight options.
Book cheap flights with any of the airlines mentioned above here.
History of Airlines in Nigeria
1. Pre-Independence Era:
– The earliest airline operations in Nigeria date back to the colonial era, with the establishment of services by airlines such as Imperial Airways (later British Overseas Airways Corporation, BOAC) in the 1930s.
– These services were primarily focused on connecting Nigeria with its colonial ruler, Britain, and other parts of the British Empire.
2. Post-Independence Expansion:
– After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria saw increased interest in developing its own airlines to enhance local and international connectivity.
– In 1958, the Nigerian Airways was established as the national carrier. It played a crucial role in providing air travel services both domestically and internationally.
3. 1970s – 1980s – Deregulation and Expansion:
– The Nigerian government’s “Nigeria Air Policy” aimed to promote domestic airline operations, leading to the emergence of new carriers.
Airlines like Okada Air, Kabo Air, and ADC Airlines began operating domestic routes.
– Nigeria Airways faced financial and operational challenges, leading to its eventual decline.
4. 1990s: Privatization and Liberalization:
– The Nigerian government initiated the privatization of Nigeria Airways in the mid-1990s due to financial difficulties. This resulted in its eventual liquidation in 2003.
– Private airlines such as Arik Air, Dana Air, and Air Peace emerged during this period, contributing to increased competition and growth.
5. 2000s – 2010s: Challenges and Opportunities:
– The Nigerian aviation industry faced various challenges, including safety concerns, regulatory issues, and infrastructural limitations.
– Despite these challenges, airlines like Arik Air and Air Peace continued to expand their operations both domestically and internationally.
6. Recent Developments:
– In 2016, Nigeria signed the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading to increased flights between the two countries.
– The Nigerian government also launched the National Carrier Project with the aim of revitalizing the country’s national airline, Nigeria Air. However, as of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, the project’s status is uncertain.
It’s important to note that the Nigerian aviation industry has experienced a mix of successes and challenges over the years, including issues related to safety, regulatory oversight, infrastructure, and economic fluctuations. The industry continues to evolve, with private carriers playing a significant role in shaping the country’s air travel landscape.
RELATED: Nigeria releases names of approved airlines for international flights
List of Top 21 Airlines in Nigeria
Listed none alphabetically, please note that this is not a ranked list and the order in which they appear on the list is not based on any ranking criteria:
Arik Air
Air Peace
Dana Air
Med-View Airlines
Azman Air
Overland Airways
Max Air
Aero Contractors
Ibom Air
United Nigeria Airlines
First Nation Airways
Delta Airlines
IRS Airlines
Chanchangi Airlines
Allied Air
Green Africa Airways
Dornier Aviation Nigeria
Skyjet Aviation Services
ValueJet
Kabo Air
Hak Air
ALSO READ: How To Book a Flight
International Airlines in Nigeria
International airlines are airlines that operate flights between countries, connecting different nations and regions around the world to each other. These airlines provide air travel services across international borders, serving as a crucial link for global connectivity and transportation.
International airlines offer a wide range of routes, destinations, and services, catering to both leisure and business travelers. They play a significant role in facilitating international trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Below, we’ve listed the best airlines you can book for all your international flights when traveling from Nigeria:
1. British Airways
A well-established and renowned British airline, British Airways offers flights connecting major Nigerian cities to destinations around the world. It is known for its premium services and global network.
2. Emirates
Emirates, based in Dubai, is one of the world’s largest and most luxurious airlines. It operates flights from Nigeria to Dubai and beyond, providing a high level of service and connectivity.
3. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines offers flights from Nigeria to Istanbul and various other global destinations. It is known for its extensive route network and modern fleet.
4. Ethiopian Airlines
The flag carrier of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights from Nigeria to Addis Ababa and other international destinations. It is recognized for its wide African network and efficient operations.
5. Safarilink Airlines
Safarilink primarily operates domestic flights within Kenya and provided air transportation to various safari destinations and national parks, making it a popular choice for tourists looking to explore Kenya’s wildlife and natural beauty.
6. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways connects Nigeria with its hub in Doha and offers flights to numerous international destinations. It is known for its modern fleet and excellent in-flight services.
7. Lufthansa
Lufthansa, a major German airline, provides flights connecting Nigeria to Europe and beyond. It is known for its quality service and efficient operations.
8. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM operates flights from Nigeria to Amsterdam and various destinations in Europe and beyond. It is a part of the Air France-KLM group.
9. Air France
Air France offers flights connecting Nigeria to Paris and other destinations, providing a mix of luxury and convenience.
10. EgyptAir
EgyptAir connects Nigeria to Cairo and other international destinations, serving as a link between Africa and the Middle East.
11. South African Airways
South African Airways offers flights from Nigeria to Johannesburg and other cities, providing connections to Southern Africa and beyond.
12. Air Peace
Air Peace offers flights from Nigeria to Gatwick and other african countries. Air Peace is known for its excellent in-flight services.
Other more prominent International airlines include:
RwandAir
Kenya Airways
Delta Air Lines
United Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Asky Airlines
Local Airlines In Nigeria And Their Websites
Local airlines, also known as regional or domestic airlines, are airlines that primarily operate flights within a specific country or region.
These airlines provide air travel services for short- and medium-haul routes, connecting cities and towns within a country without crossing international borders. Local airlines play a vital role in facilitating domestic connectivity, supporting economic development, and providing transportation options for residents, tourists, and businesses within the region.
The most popular local airlines in Nigeria that operate domestic flights within the country are:
1. Arik Air: One of the largest Nigerian airlines, Arik Air offers a mix of domestic and international flights. It is known for its extensive route network and was one of the pioneers in modernizing the Nigerian aviation industry.
Website
2. Air Peace: Air Peace is a major player in the Nigerian aviation scene, focusing on both domestic and regional flights. It is recognized for its commitment to safety and affordability.
Website
3. Dana Air: Dana Air is a domestic airline providing flights within Nigeria. It is known for its efficient operations and customer service.
Website
4. Med-View Airlines: Med-View Airlines operates domestic and international flights, with a focus on Hajj operations and charter services.
Website
5. Azman Air: Azman Air offers domestic flights within Nigeria and aims to provide affordable air travel options.
Website
6. Overland Airways: When booking flights with Overland Airways, you get access to regional and domestic flights, connecting various cities within Nigeria.
Website
7. Max Air: Max Air primarily operates charter and domestic flights, serving various routes within Nigeria.
Website
8. Aero Contractors: Aero Contractors is one of Nigeria’s oldest airlines, offering both domestic and regional flights. It has played a historical role in the country’s aviation development.
Website
9. Ibom Air: Ibom Air is a state-owned airline based in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It operates domestic flights, contributing to regional connectivity.
Website
10. United Nigeria Airlines: A relatively new entrant, United Nigeria Airlines focuses on domestic flights within Nigeria, aiming to provide reliable and efficient services.
