Best Local airlines in Nigeria, 2025
Nigeria’s aviation industry has evolved significantly over the years, with a variety of airlines offering domestic and international flights.
eight prominent players in the Nigerian aviation market are Arik Air, Med-View Airline, United Nigeria Airlines, Air Peace, Green Africa, Overland Airways, Aero Contractors, and Azman Air Each of these airlines has its unique history, challenges, and services, shaping the Nigerian air travel experience.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at each airline, comparing their operations, fleets, destinations, and more.
Arik Air: Local airlines in Nigeria
Founded in 2002, Arik Air is one of Nigeria’s largest and most established airlines.
The airline operates from two major hubs: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja).
With a fleet size of 14 aircraft, Arik Air serves a variety of regional and international destinations.
Arik Air was established by Joseph Arumemi Ikhide in 2004, rising from the collapse of Nigeria Airways.
Over the years, it has grown to offer services to destinations across Africa, Europe, and the United States. However, it faces significant competition in the domestic market.
Fleet and Services
Arik Air boasts a range of aircraft, including the Airbus A340-500 for international flights.
The airline is known for its customer loyalty program, Arik Affinity Wings.
Med-View Airline: Local airlines in Nigeria
Med-View Airline, founded in 2004, started as a charter airline before moving into scheduled flights.
It was once a key player in the Nigerian aviation scene, particularly for Hajj flights.
Med-View faced a tough period, ultimately ceasing operations in 2019 due to financial difficulties.
Med-View initially gained prominence for its domestic and international services, including flights to the Middle East and Europe.
However, internal financial struggles and staff layoffs led to a halt in operations.
The airline was even placed on the European Union’s banned list of air carriers.
Fleet and Services
At its peak, Med-View’s fleet consisted of Boeing 737-400 and 737-500 aircraft, serving 13 destinations.
However, it was unable to sustain its fleet or operations in the long term.
United Nigeria Airlines: Local airlines in Nigeria
Founded in 2020, United Nigeria Airlines is a newer player in the Nigerian aviation market. Despite its short operational history, it has made a significant impact with its regional service network, operating with a small fleet of Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft.
The airline’s debut flight was on February 12, 2021, and since then, it has focused on connecting major cities within Nigeria.
United Nigeria Airlines has quickly gained a reputation for offering efficient and reliable services on domestic routes.
Fleet and Services
With a fleet of just four aircraft, United Nigeria Airlines primarily serves domestic routes. However, the airline has ambitious plans for expansion, aiming to grow its fleet and extend its reach to more regional destinations.
Air Peace: Local airlines in Nigeria
Air Peace, founded in 2013 by Allen Onyema, is Nigeria’s largest airline and one of the leading carriers in West Africa.
With a fleet of 29 aircraft, the airline serves multiple domestic, regional, and international destinations, including the Middle East and South Africa.
Air Peace’s rise in the Nigerian aviation sector is a result of its aggressive expansion strategy, which includes the acquisition of large aircraft such as the Boeing 777.
In addition to commercial flights, Air Peace is known for its evacuation flights during crises, such as the 2019 xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Fleet and Services
Air Peace operates a diverse fleet of Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, and smaller regional jets. The airline offers services across 20 destinations and continues to expand its international routes.
Green Africa Airways: Local airlines in Nigeria
Green Africa Airways is a low-cost carrier based in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded in 2015 and launching operations in 2021, Green Africa has positioned itself as a budget-friendly option in the competitive Nigerian market.
The airline was founded by Babawande Afolabi, and despite early setbacks, Green Africa launched operations with a fleet of three aircraft in August 2021.
Green Africa was one of the most anticipated airlines in Nigeria due to its plans to revolutionize the domestic flight experience with affordable prices.
Fleet and Services
Green Africa operates Airbus A220-300 aircraft, offering a modern and efficient service.
The airline has a strong focus on providing accessible flights to Nigerian travelers and is steadily expanding its routes within Africa.
Overland Airways: Local airlines in Nigeria
Founded: 2002
Headquarters: Ikeja, Lagos State
Main Base: Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja
Hub: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
Fleet Size: 7
Destinations: 10
Website: overlandairways.com
Overland Airways is one of Nigeria’s most prominent regional carriers.
Based in Lagos, it focuses on providing air services to under-served routes, mainly connecting state capitals and remote cities.
Destinations: Local airlines in Nigeria
Overland operates scheduled domestic flights to:
- Abuja
- Akure
- Asaba
- Bauchi
- Dutse
- Ibadan
- Ilorin
- Jalingo
- Lagos
Fleet: Local airlines in Nigeria
Overland Airways operates a modest fleet:
- 1 ATR 42
- 1 ATR 72
- 1 Beechcraft 1900D
- 2 Embraer E175 (+1 on order)
These aircraft are well-suited for short-haul domestic travel, offering reliability and efficiency.
Notable Incidents
In 2018, an ATR 72 suffered damage after a fire broke out during maintenance.
In 2022, a flight from Ilorin to Lagos experienced an engine fire but landed safely. No injuries were reported.
Aero Contractors: Local airlines in Nigeria
Founded: 1959
Headquarters: Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos
Fleet Size: 7
Destinations: 13
Parent Company: AMCON (60%)
CEO: Ado Sanusi
Website: flyaero.com
Aero Contractors is one of the oldest names in Nigerian aviation. Originally owned by Dutch company Schreiner Airways, it has gone through several ownership changes and currently operates under government control via AMCON.
Founded in 1959 and registered in Nigeria in 1960.
Became 60% Nigerian-owned in 1976.
Acquired by the Ibru family in the 2000s.
Faced a brief closure in 2016 due to Nigeria’s economic crisis but resumed operations later that year.
Destinations:
Aero Contractors operates domestic routes to:
- Abuja
- Asaba
- Benin City
- Calabar (as Cally Air)
- Kano
- Lagos
- Port Harcourt
- Sokoto
- Yola
Their network covers key commercial and political hubs across Nigeria.
Unique Services
Apart from regular passenger flights, Aero also runs a rotary wing division that offers helicopter services, mostly for the oil and gas sector. This makes it stand out in Nigeria’s aviation space.
Azman Air: A Rapid Riser in Domestic Aviation
Founded: 2010
Headquarters: Kano, Nigeria
Hub: Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
Fleet Size: 5
Destinations: 11
President: Abdulmanaf Yunusa Sarina
Website: airazman.com
Azman Air is a relatively young airline but has grown quickly to become one of Nigeria’s leading domestic carriers.
Known for affordability and operational efficiency, it has captured a significant share of the local market.
Began commercial operations in 2014.
Started with two Boeing 737-500s.
Briefly ventured into international flights with an Airbus A330 leased in 2017 (now discontinued).
Currently operates only domestic routes.
Destinations
Azman Air offers flights to:
- Abuja
- Asaba
- Benin City
- Birnin Kebbi
- Gombe
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Lagos
- Maiduguri
- Owerri
- Port Harcourt
They also previously operated flights to Jeddah and Dakar, hinting at potential future international expansion.
Comparison of Airlines: Local airlines in Nigeria
| Airline | Founded | Fleet Size | Destinations | Hubs | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arik Air | 2002 | 14 | 16 | Lagos, Abuja | Long-established, serves regional and international routes |
| Med-View Airline | 2004 | 4 | 13 | Lagos | Primarily for Hajj flights, ceased operations in 2019 |
| United Nigeria Airlines | 2020 | 6 | 9 | Enugu, Lagos, Port Harcourt | Focus on regional flights, newer entrant in the market |
| Air Peace | 2013 | 29 | 20 | Lagos, Abuja | Largest Nigerian airline, aggressive expansion strategy |
| Green Africa Airways | 2015 | 3 | (varied) | Lagos | Low-cost carrier, modern fleet of Airbus A220-300s |
| Airline | Fleet Size | Aircraft Types | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Airways | 7 | ATR 42/72, Beechcraft, Embraer | Regional routes |
| Aero Contractors | 7 | Boeing 737, Dash 8, Helicopters | Helicopter division |
| Azman Air | 5 | Boeing 737-500, (formerly A330) | Domestic routes, low-cost focus |
Conclusion: Local airlines in Nigeria
The Nigerian aviation industry offers a diverse range of options for travelers, with airlines catering to different needs whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, regional connectivity, or international flights.
Arik Air, Air Peace, and United Nigeria Airlines, Overland Airways, Aero Contractors, and Azman Air continue to lead the charge, while Med-View and Green Africa represent important parts of the evolving landscape.
With new players like United Nigeria Airlines and Green Africa Airways entering the market, competition is set to increase, ultimately benefiting Nigerian air travelers.
FAQs About Local airlines in Nigeria
Which is the largest airline in Nigeria?
Air Peace is the largest airline in Nigeria, operating the most aircraft and serving the largest number of destinations.
Why did Med-View Airline cease operations?
Med-View Airline ceased operations in 2019 due to financial difficulties, staff layoffs, and its inability to maintain a sufficient fleet.
When did United Nigeria Airlines start operations?
United Nigeria Airlines commenced operations on February 12, 2021.
What is the fleet size of Air Peace?
Air Peace has a fleet size of 29 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and 777s.
How is Green Africa Airways different from other airlines?
Green Africa Airways is a low-cost carrier, focusing on affordable flights and modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Which Nigerian airline is best for regional travel?
Overland Airways is best for regional and less-traveled routes.
Is Azman Air still flying internationally?
Not currently. Their international services have been suspended.
Which airline has the most destinations?
Aero Contractors leads with 13 domestic destinations.
Local airlin in Nigeria by sarahi.com.ng
