Aviation News

The federal government has approved several international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including services to New York, Dubai and Canada, in what authorities describe as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigerian carriers and increase their share of international passenger traffic. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Thursday during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft by the airline. According to Mr Keyamo, the route approvals form part of ongoing efforts to reposition domestic airlines to compete more effectively on international routes, traditionally dominated by foreign operators. “We are giving United Nigeria Airlines about four or five routes. We are giving them New York, Canada, Dubai and some other viable destinations,” the minister said. Mr Keyamo said Nigerian airlines currently account for only a small fraction of international passenger traffic originating from the country despite bilateral agreements that provide reciprocal operating rights. According to him, foreign airlines transport between 90 and 95 per cent of passengers travelling from Nigeria to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East and other regions. “That market belongs to Nigeria as much as it belongs to any foreign airline. Our carriers must be empowered to participate meaningfully in that space,” he said. The minister explained that the approvals were granted ahead of the airline’s planned expansion to allow it build capacity and prepare for future international operations. He said the government’s aviation policy has focused on removing barriers that previously constrained the growth of domestic operators. Support for fleet expansion Mr Keyamo also linked the route approvals to ongoing government efforts to improve access to aircraft acquisition and leasing opportunities for Nigerian airlines. He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company aimed at helping domestic carriers secure aircraft through government-backed arrangements. According to him, the initiative is expected to reduce some of the financing challenges that have historically limited the expansion of local airlines. The minister said the government’s preference is to support privately owned Nigerian carriers rather than revive a state-owned national airline. He argued that many successful global airlines operate under commercial structures that minimise political interference and enhance efficiency. The route announcement came as United Nigeria Airlines unveiled two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft named after the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, and renowned Nigerian novelist, Chinua Achebe. The acquisition forms part of the airline’s fleet expansion programme. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the airline recently disclosed losses of about N10 billion over a three-month period, blaming rising operating costs and a surge in aviation fuel prices linked to disruptions in global oil supply routes. Despite the financial pressures facing the industry, the airline said it remains committed to expanding its operations and improving connectivity across domestic and international markets. Beyond airline expansion, Mr Keyamo said the federal government is working with the Abia State Government on the development of the proposed Abia International Airport. He added that the long-term plan is for United Nigeria Airlines to establish a major operational hub at the airport when completed. The minister also reiterated plans to transform the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu into a dedicated cargo hub serving businesses across the South-east. According to him, discussions are ongoing to facilitate direct cargo flights between China and Enugu, a move expected to improve trade logistics for importers and exporters in the region. Mr Keyamo said reforms introduced over the past two and a half years are beginning to yield results across the aviation sector. He noted that the government spent considerable time engaging operators, regulators and other stakeholders to address longstanding industry concerns before implementing policy changes. “We took the issues one after another and focused on creating an environment where airlines can grow sustainably,” he said. Industry stakeholders at the event also highlighted improvements in aircraft financing, regulatory processes and technical training, while stressing the need for continued investment to support the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector. They noted that expanding access to newer aircraft and strengthening local technical capacity would be critical to enabling Nigerian airlines to compete more effectively in regional and international markets.  

Airline operators have renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s aviation sector, warning that rising operating costs and funding constraints are threatening the long-term survival of domestic carriers. The concerns were raised in Lagos during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines at the Murtala Muhammed Airport. The event, which attracted aviation stakeholders, government officials, and industry players, also served as a symbolic moment of cultural recognition as the airline named the aircraft after two prominent Nigerians –the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and the late literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said Nigerian airlines continue to operate in one of the most expensive and difficult aviation environments globally, quoting a recent report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He noted that airlines face heavy financial pressure from aircraft acquisition costs, maintenance, insurance, training of technical personnel abroad, and limited access to affordable financing. Okonkwo also drew attention to the impact of operational disruptions in recent months following the jet fuel crisis triggered by the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, estimating that flight cancellations and related interruptions have cost the industry about N10 billion in the last three months. He said such losses highlight the fragility of the sector and the urgent need for coordinated action to improve efficiency and reduce avoidable disruptions. He called for a review of the aviation sector’s revenue-sharing structure, urging the Federal Government to allow aviation agencies to retain a larger portion of their internally generated revenue. According to him, the current arrangement, which channels most earnings into the federation account, leaves key agencies underfunded and unable to deliver the infrastructure and services required to support airlines effectively. Improved funding, he said, would enhance regulatory capacity, upgrade infrastructure, and ultimately reduce the financial burden on operators through lower charges and better service delivery. He stressed that a more sustainable aviation ecosystem would benefit not only airlines but also passengers and the broader economy. Despite the challenges, Okonkwo expressed optimism about the future of United Nigeria Airlines and the Nigerian aviation industry as a whole. He described the acquisition of the two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft as a significant milestone in the airline’s growth strategy and a reflection of its commitment to improved operational reliability and passenger experience. On why the aircraft was named after the two icons, he said the decision was intentional, aimed at honouring individuals whose contributions to leadership, culture, and intellectual development have had lasting impact on Nigeria and Africa. The Obi of Onitsha, who attended the event, described the honour as deeply meaningful, particularly because one of the aircraft bears the name of his longtime friend and kinsman, Chinua Achebe. He reflected on Achebe’s global literary legacy, noting that the author’s works helped shape international understanding of Africa and gave voice to African stories on the global stage. He said Achebe’s influence continues to be felt across generations and continents, adding that it was common for people abroad to associate Onitsha with the celebrated writer. According to him, the recognition through aviation represents more than personal honour—it symbolizes the enduring impact of excellence and cultural identity. In his remarks, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines through targeted reforms and supportive policies. He said the government’s aviation roadmap is designed to ensure that local carriers are not only sustained but also positioned to compete effectively on regional and international routes. Keyamo highlighted ongoing reforms such as the implementation of the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation (IDERA), which are aimed at improving investor confidence and easing aircraft leasing arrangements. He added that these measures have helped restore confidence among financial institutions, which had previously been reluctant to engage in aviation financing due to perceived risks. He also disclosed that the Federal Government has secured approval for the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company backed by government guarantees. The initiative, he said, will make it easier for Nigerian airlines to access aircraft under more favourable financial terms and reduce dependence on costly foreign leasing arrangements. According to him, the administration is also working to allocate more international routes to domestic carriers, as part of efforts to rebalance Nigeria’s aviation market, where foreign airlines currently dominate passenger traffic. He noted that strengthening local operators is central to the government’s broader economic and connectivity goals.

United Nigeria Airlines (UN, Enugu) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Guinea-Bissau to re-establish the country’s national carrier, Air Bissau (Bissau), the Nigerian airline announced. The agreement was signed in Bissau by Guinea-Bissau’s Transport Minister, Florentino Mendes Pereira, and United Nigeria Airlines majority shareholder, chairman and CEO, Obiora Okonkwo. Under the agreement, the parties will establish a joint venture (JV) to operate the new iteration of Air Bissau, which closed down in 1998. Under the JV, United Nigeria Airlines will provide most of the investment, aircraft – most likely the airline’s E145s – plus operational expertise and management. The Nigerian carrier will also supply an executive jet for use by the president and government of Guinea-Bissau. For its part, the government has committed to designating Air Bissau as the country’s official national carrier, giving it access to traffic rights under the country’s bilateral air services agreement. It will also facilitate the airline’s certification and licensing through the civil aviation authorities of Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria, while supporting airport infrastructure, customs, immigration, and security arrangements at Bissau, which will serve as the airline’s base. United Nigeria Airlines will also support the training of Air Bissau pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance personnel and employ local staff where feasible. The memorandum stipulates that operational control and day-to-day management of the airline will rest with United Nigeria Airlines. The MOU takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until the parties conclude a definitive joint venture agreement. The old Air Bissau operated between 1960 and 1998, serving domestic and regional routes with B727-200s, Fairchild F-27s, An-24s, and An-26s. Since then, the country has relied on ASKY Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and TAP Air Portugal for international connectivity. Fleet expansion Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines has taken delivery of the first of six B737-800s acquired from Southwest Airlines as part of its fleet expansion programme. The 11.8-year-old N8642E (msn 42525) and 12.1-year-old N8627B (msn 36895) have been re-registered as 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB, respectively. According to ADS-B flight tracking data, 5N-CFB arrived in Lagos on June 13 after being ferried from Tallinn Lennart Meri via Algiers. Both aircraft were in Estonia since April 30 for painting and cabin reconfiguration in dual-class layouts. In an interview with ch-aviation in May 2026, Okonkwo said United Nigeria Airlines was targeting a fleet of 22 aircraft by the end of 2026 as it expands into at least five or six African destinations and launches intercontinental operations. Apart from the B737-800s, the in-house fleet comprises three E145s. The airline currently relies heavily on wet leases, including two A320-200s from Fly2Sky; two CRJ900s from CemAir; and one E190 from Windrose Airlines. According to Okonkwo, United Nigeria Airlines plans to wet-lease five more aircraft, including two A330-200s from Air Anka, two E190s from TrueNoord, and one more E190 from Windrose Airlines, all still to be deployed.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the federal government had done a lot to support domestic airlines in line with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on empowering domestic airlines to take advantage of the multibillion dollars Nigeria air travel market. Keyamo spoke at the unveiling of two aircraft acquired by the fast-rising carrier, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), state-of-the-art Boeing B737-800 aircraft with registration numbers 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB, respectively. The minister said the first target of the Tinubu administration in the aviation sector was to get the right policy direction and to give full support to domestic airlines. He commended United Nigeria Airlines on its rapid rise, and disclosed that government was fully in support of the airline and the others. On the issue of national carrier, Keyamo explained that the federal government had kept mum on the establishment of a national carrier because after various case studies it realised that a national carrier could not thrive under a democratic setting like Nigeria’s. He said that was why government was focused on supporting Nigerian airlines owned by the private sector, under strict government regulation. Keyamo stated, “All governments in the world are divesting from national airlines. It is not possible to run a national carrier under a bureaucratic setup without it collapsing into a bottomless pit.” The minister stated that the federal government’s five-point agenda was strictly centred on the aggressive empowerment of local carriers, dropping policies that undermined the growth of domestic airlines. He said this explained why Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development approved major international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, which included Canada, Dubai, and United States. He said, “We are giving United Nigeria Airlines fruitful reciprocal routes, including New York, Canada, and Dubai. We are only looking for the equipment to run these routes right now.” Keyamo said with the growing passenger throughput, it was important that domestic operators captured a larger share of Nigeria’s 16 million annual passengers’ market. He regretted that, currently, over 90 per cent of the market was dominated by foreign carriers. The minister said it was the changes that the Tinubu administration brought into the aviation industry that made banks, which had hitherto shunned the aviation sector, to return to financing aircraft acquisitions and providing other funding services. He said banks were also encouraged by the way the country’s biggest operator, Air Peace, promptly serviced its credit facilities. The minister said government had moved to solve a major challenge for the domestic carriers, aircraft acquisition, disclosing that Tinubu approved the creation of a state-backed leasing company to resolve long-standing aircraft leasing barriers for local operators. He stated, “I went to Mr. President to advocate for local operators who face strict international leasing hurdles. “He has formally approved the establishment of the Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company. This company will exist solely to bring in aircraft under a solid government guarantee through private dry-lease agreements, which will then be sub-leased directly to our domestic airlines. “We are already in the process of taking this.” Keyamo also spoke on how he pushed to get the federal government to earmark funds for the building of an airstrip in Abia State, the only state in the South-east that does not have an airport. He stated, “The first thing we did when we came to power was that I went to Mr. President and said, ‘Abia does not have an airstrip or airport in the whole of the South.’ President was surprised, and we ensured it was captured as one of our first critical projects in the 2024 budget.” Keyamo credited Governor Alex Otti’s aggressive counter-funding strategy for scaling up the scope of the project to a full airport. He explained, “Credit to Dr. Alex Otti—he did not stop at that. When we scheduled an airstrip, he went straight to Mr. President behind me and said, ‘Sir, bring the money budgeted for the airstrip, I have counterpart funding. I will now make it a full international airport.’ “He is bringing his own state’s resources to the table. In fact, let me confess today, Abia State has injected its counterpart funding far ahead of the federal government’s allocation. Our money is coming, but work has advanced rapidly under his guidance.” Keyamo confirmed the ministry’s long-term plan to actively guide United Nigeria Airlines to position its main hub within Abia State upon completion to link the commercial clusters of Aba and Umuahia directly to global trade routes. The minister also spoke about how the federal government supported Enugu State Government when it wanted to develop the Akanu Ibiam International Airport to increase flight operations and other activities at the airport. He stated, “One of our prides in the South is the Enugu International Airport. The Enugu governor approached Mr. President, noting that the airport was not maximizing its economic potential under standard bureaucratic structures, and requested to bring in private investors to run it. Mr. President gave the green light,” Keyamo explained. “As I speak with you, Enugu Airport is now fully privately owned and run under the direction of the state government, with the clear objective of turning it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire South-east.” To operationalise the new status, Keyamo revealed that high-level bilateral trade negotiations were underway to secure direct logistics route between China and the South-east by the end of the year. He said, “Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu. “We are targeting December for the maiden flight. This will allow our South-east merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to hubs, like Onitsha and Aba.”

An Air Peace aircraft operating a scheduled flight from Abuja to Kano has been grounded after experiencing a bird strike upon arrival at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The airline disclosed the incident on Wednesday, saying the aircraft was withdrawn from service in line with aviation safety procedures. According to Air Peace, the bird strike occurred shortly after the aircraft landed in Kano. The airline said the aircraft is undergoing technical assessments to determine the extent of any damage before it can return to service. “In strict compliance with aviation safety protocols, the affected aircraft has been grounded for comprehensive technical assessments,” the airline said. Alternative plane deployed Air Peace said it immediately deployed another aircraft to continue operations on the route and reduce inconvenience to affected passengers. The airline noted that the decision was taken to ensure passengers reach their destinations safely in accordance with operational standards. The carrier expressed regret over the disruption and appealed for understanding from affected passengers. Concern over bird strikes The incident adds to a growing number of bird strike cases affecting airline operations across Nigeria in recent months. Bird strikes occur when birds collide with aircraft during take-off, landing or flight. While many incidents cause minor damage, some can result in costly repairs, flight delays, and operational disruptions. Aviation experts have linked the challenge to environmental conditions around airports, including open refuse dumps, waste disposal sites, water bodies and other factors that attract birds. In Nigeria, rapid urban development around airport corridors and waste management challenges have also been identified as factors increasing the risk of bird strikes. Although airport authorities deploy wildlife patrol teams and bird-control measures to reduce the threat, incidents continue to occur at airports across the country. The recurring cases have renewed attention on wildlife hazard management, with aviation stakeholders increasingly viewing bird strikes as both an environmental and operational challenges. Safety remains priority Air Peace said safety remains its foremost priority and reiterated its commitment to complying with all regulatory and operational requirements. “We deeply empathise with our esteemed passengers affected by this unforeseen operational disruption,” the airline said. The airline thanked passengers for their patience and understanding, adding that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety across its operations.