Nigeria’s aviation industry is steadily expanding, driven by its large population and a growing demand for air travel across local and international routes. From major domestic carriers to internationally recognized names, this guide breaks down the List of Airlines in Nigeria, including their owners, official websites, and key highlights.
Whether you’re booking a flight, researching airlines, or avoiding scams, this article helps you navigate Nigeria’s airline landscape confidently.
List of Airlines in Nigeria
- Arik Air
- Air Peace
- Dana Air
- Med-View Airline
- Azman Air
- Overland Airways
- Max Air
- Aero Contractors
- Ibom Air
- United Nigerian 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
Pro Tip: Always verify the official website and avoid booking through third-party platforms you can’t trust.
Active Airlines in Nigeria – Domestic & International
Below is a curated list of airlines operating in Nigeria, organized alphabetically, with verified details:
1. Aero Contractors
- Owner: 60% AMCON, 40% Ibru Family
- Website: www.flyaero.com
- Highlights: One of the oldest Nigerian airlines, Aero offers both scheduled passenger flights and charter services across Nigeria.
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2. Air Peace
- Owner: Allen Onyema
- Website: www.flyairpeace.com
- Highlights: Nigeria’s biggest privately owned airline, operating local and international routes including South Africa, UAE, and the UK (via planned routes).
3. Allied Air
- Owner: Valentine Tongo
- Website: www.alliedaircargo.com
- Highlights: Specializes in cargo and freight services across West Africa and select international destinations.
4. Arik Air
- Owner: Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)
- Website: www.arikair.com
- Highlights: Once Nigeria’s flagship airline; currently operates mainly domestic and limited West African routes.
5. Azman Air
- Owner: Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina
- Website: www.airazman.com
- Highlights: Known for budget travel options across northern and southern Nigeria.
6. Dana Air
- Owner: Dana Group (Indian-Nigerian company)
- Website: www.flydanaair.com
- Highlights: Offers daily flights between major Nigerian cities. Currently undergoing regulatory review and safety upgrades (as of 2025).
7. Delta Air Lines
- Owner: Delta Airlines Inc. (USA)
- Website: www.delta.com
- Highlights: Provides direct flights between Lagos and Atlanta. A key player in US–Nigeria air travel.
8. Dornier Aviation Nigeria
- Owner: Consortium of local & foreign investors
- Website: www.dornieraviation.com
- Highlights: Operates specialized charter and regional flights; also provides aerial surveys and military support services.
9. First Nation Airways (Inactive)
- Owner: Kayode Odukoya
- Website: www.firstnationairways.com
- Highlights: Suspended operations due to safety and financial issues. Previously offered Lagos-Abuja routes.
10. Green Africa Airways
- Owner: Babawande Afolabi
- Website: www.greenafrica.com
- Highlights: A newer low-cost airline focused on affordability and efficiency. Routes include Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ilorin.
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11. Ibom Air
- Owner: Akwa Ibom State Government
- Website: www.ibomair.com
- Highlights: Government-owned, reliable airline operating modern aircraft. Known for excellent punctuality and customer satisfaction.
12. Kabo Air (Limited Operations)
- Owner: Kabo Travels Ltd
- Website: www.kaboair.com
- Highlights: Historically used for Hajj & Umrah pilgrimages. Mostly inactive in commercial passenger service.
13. Max Air
- Owner: Alhaji Dahiru Mangal
- Website: www.maxair.com.ng
- Highlights: One of Nigeria’s top Hajj service providers, also offers regular commercial routes.
14. Med-View Airline (Partially Suspended)
- Owner: Sheikh Abdul Moshen Al-Thunayan
- Website: www.flymedview.com
- Highlights: Formerly active in Hajj, international, and domestic operations. Facing operational downtimes.
15. Overland Airways
- Owner: Overland Airways Ltd
- Website: www.flyoverlandairways.com
- Highlights: Connects less-served domestic cities like Ilorin, Minna, and Akure.
16. Skyjet Aviation Services
- Owner: Not publicly disclosed
- Website: Not available
- Highlights: Offers private charter services for corporate, political, and luxury travel.
17. United Nigeria Airlines
- Owner: United Nigeria Airlines Ltd
- Website: www.flyunitednigeria.com
- Highlights: New entrant with expanding routes across Nigeria including Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.
18. ValueJet
- Owner: Nigerian company (undisclosed investor group)
- Website: www.valuejet.ng
- Highlights: Budget airline offering competitive rates and modern aircraft, operating key routes from Lagos and Abuja.
Defunct or Inactive Nigerian Airlines
These airlines have either ceased operations or are currently under suspension:
| Airline | Status | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Chanchangi Airlines | Defunct | Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi |
| IRS Airlines | Defunct | Isyaku Rabiu |
| First Nation Airways | Suspended | Kayode Odukoya |
| Hak Air | Inactive | Hak Air Ltd |
International Airlines Operating in Nigeria (2025)
| Airline | Country | Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | UK | International Airlines Group |
| Emirates | UAE | Government of Dubai |
| Qatar Airways | Qatar | Qatari Government |
| Lufthansa | Germany | Public (Europe/US investors) |
| Turkish Airlines | Turkey | Turkish Government |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Ethiopia | Ethiopian Government |
| EgyptAir | Egypt | Egyptian Government |
| Air France | France | Partially Government |
| KLM Royal Dutch | Netherlands | Part of Air France-KLM |
| Kenya Airways | Kenya | Government (48.9%) |
| South African Airways | South Africa | Government |
| Delta Airlines | USA | Private |
| Middle East Airlines | Lebanon | Banque du Liban |
| China Southern Airlines | China | State-owned |
| Air India | India | Government |
| Ghana Airways | Ghana | BOAC & Government |
Why Ownership & Official Websites Matter
Scam airline websites are increasingly common in Nigeria. Knowing the correct owners and websites helps you:
- Avoid fake ticketing platforms
- Ensure you’re booking through secure portals
- Verify the legitimacy of airline promotions
Always book flights directly from official airline websites or verified aggregators like Wakanow, TravelStart, or FlightScanner.
FAQs – Nigerian Airlines & Booking Tips
What are the best airlines for domestic travel in Nigeria?
Air Peace is one of the largest and most reliable airlines for local travel, with a wide network covering Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and more. Their customer service and flight frequency give them a competitive edge.
Ibom Air is widely praised for punctuality, clean aircraft, and professional staff. Though relatively new, it has become a favorite among business travelers and commuters.
Dana Air has a strong presence on high-demand routes like Lagos–Abuja. It’s known for offering promo fares and flexible rescheduling options.
ValueJet focuses on affordability and reliability. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking no-frills but dependable services.
Arik Air was once Nigeria’s flagship carrier. Though its fleet has shrunk, it still connects major Nigerian cities and offers adequate service on its active routes.
Pro Tip: Always check for recent reviews before booking, as service quality can vary by route and time of year.
Are there any budget-friendly airlines in Nigeria?
Yes! Nigeria has several airlines that offer competitive pricing for economy travelers.
ValueJet and Green Africa Airways are considered ultra-low-cost carriers. They offer cheap fares with optional add-ons like extra luggage and meals.
Azman Air often runs promotional fares on northern routes like Kano–Abuja and Lagos–Kano.
Air Peace sometimes offers flash sales and special rates for students, corp members (NYSC), and groups.
Dana Air frequently includes free baggage and meal perks in their basic fare — great value for your money.
Money-saving tip: Book your flight early, avoid peak holiday seasons, and subscribe to airline newsletters for promo alerts.
Which Nigerian airlines operate international flights?
Some Nigerian airlines are expanding their international footprint:
Air Peace has launched international flights to Johannesburg (South Africa), Dubai (UAE), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and plans to launch routes to the UK and US. It is Nigeria’s most ambitious global airline.
Arik Air historically operated flights to London and New York. While international services have been scaled down, they still connect to West African cities like Accra and Banjul.
Max Air occasionally operates Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia, catering to religious pilgrims.
In addition, Nigeria hosts over 20 international airlines, such as:
- Delta Airlines (USA–Nigeria)
- British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines
Tip: Use multi-airline platforms like Wakanow, FlightScanner, and TravelStart to compare fares and routes.
How do I avoid scam websites when booking flights?
Scams targeting travelers are increasingly common in Nigeria, especially on social media. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Avoid agents who request payment via WhatsApp chats, bank transfers, or unofficial platforms.
Always book directly from the official airline website or use trusted platforms like:
Verify the URL — fake sites often have slightly misspelled names (e.g., flyairpeece.com instead of flyairpeace.com).
Look for SSL certificates (the padlock symbol in the browser).
Search the business name on CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) to check registration.
When in doubt, call the airline’s customer service directly or visit their airport sales office.
Q5: What are Nigeria’s major airports?
Nigeria has several functional airports, but these are the main hubs:
Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS)
- Nigeria’s busiest airport, handling most international flights and regional connections.
- Hub for Air Peace, Dana Air, and international carriers like Emirates, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (ABV)
- Located in the capital city. Offers international and domestic routes.
- Known for relatively modern facilities and shorter customs queues.
Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC)
- Located in Rivers State. Handles domestic flights and a few international services, including oil and gas sector travel.
Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano (KAN)
- The primary airport in northern Nigeria.
- Hosts Max Air and Hajj flights to Saudi Arabia.
Other growing regional airports include:
- Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu
- Sam Mbakwe Airport, Owerri
- Ibadan Airport
- Ilorin Airport
- Asaba International Airport
Use these regional airports if you’re traveling to or from smaller cities — they often have cheaper fares and faster boarding times.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re flying for business, tourism, or family visits, Nigeria’s airline ecosystem offers more choices than ever before. Understanding each airline’s ownership, status, and official channels can help you travel smarter, safer, and more confidently in 2025 and beyond.
