List of Local Airlines in Nigeria (Best 10)

When it comes to Local Airlines in Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recognizes top domestic airlines like Air Peace, Arik Air, and Dana Air. These airlines offer quality aviation services, good customer relations, safe and secure flights, and lesser deferral.

The history of airlines in Nigeria is marked by significant developments and changes, reflecting the growth of aviation within the country.

Over the years, there’s been overwhelming improvement in Nigeria’s air transport industry, as the spate of air crashes is now far between. There have also been improvements to the booking and flight experiences, especially with timeliness and baggage management.

Local airlines in Nigeria, provide domestic flights by air. They offer air travel services for short- and medium-haul routes, connecting cities and towns within a country without crossing international borders. 

People use airplanes for transportation and pass through airways to reach scheduled destinations. However, the foremost concern of every traveler is safety. 

After a trip, everyone wants to return to their regular routines as soon as possible. For this reason, travelers often choose Nigeria’s top local airline, known for having fewer or no casualties. 

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best ten local airlines in Nigeria. These airlines are known for their reliability, affordability, and excellent service. Read on to find out!

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 Best 10 Local Airlines in Nigeria

Here is our comprehensive list of the best 10 local or domestic airlines in Nigeria, in no ranking order:

1. Air Peace

Let’s start our list with Nigeria’s largest and most popular Local Airline, Air Peace. If you are a frequent traveler, you must have heard of Air Peace. 

Air Peace is a privately owned airline in Nigeria, established in 2013 by a Nigerian entrepreneur, Allen Onyema, with its head office in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. It is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, having its operating base at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Known for its extensive domestic network and modern fleet of aircrafts, Air Peace offers a comfortable and safe travel experience. With affordable fares and a dedication to the satisfaction of its customers, the airline has become a top choice for travelers across Nigeria.

Air Peace currently offers various aviation-related services. These include scheduling flights to several locations within Nigeria and taking foreign trips to the US, UK, Senegal, UAE, Israel, and other nations.

Recent news reveals that the airline recorded another breakthrough. This time, it was not the expansion of its fleets, as has been the case, but the private carrier made a remarkable entry into European air space after securing a Foreign Carrier Operator Permit, FCOP, to fly to London. This permit allows airlines from other regions to fly to Europe, and the Third Country Operator Permit (TCO-UK) enables airlines to operate in the UK.

The airline will now operate direct flights to these destinations with its luxury wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft.

The airline also expanded its Asian footprints by commencing direct commercial flights into Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

For more details about their services, you can visit the Air peace website at https://flyairpeace.com/ or call 0700 35924 773223

2. Arik Air

Next, we have Arik Air, another major player and a more established Nigerian airline. It operates both domestic and international flights. 

With several destinations and a strong focus on safety, reliability, and good customer relations, Arik Air has earned a reputation as one of the leading Local Airlines in Nigeria. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, you can count on Arik Air to get you to your destination on time and in style.

Arik Air Aviation Center is headquartered in Ikeja, Lagos. You can also visit its operation sites at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. 

For more details about their services, you can visit the Arik Air website at https://www.arikair.com/ or call 01 279 9999

3. Dana Air

Founded in 2008, headquartered in Ikeja, and based in Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Dana Air, a subsidiary of the Dana group, is another popular choice for travelers seeking Local Airlines in Nigeria.

After its famous crash in 2012, the airline later commenced its commercial operations again in 2014 under the director of flight operations, Francois Bouteiller.

With its fleet and commitment to customer service, Dana Air lives up to its trademark line, “Smartest Way to Fly,” and offers a seamless travel experience for passengers. Whether you’re flying domestically or regionally, Dana Air provides affordable fares and convenient schedules to suit your needs.

For more information, you can visit the DANA Air website https://flydanaair.com/ or contact via phone number 07003593262 or customer service number 01 280 9888. You can also email at contact@flydanaair.com

4. Azman Air

Azman Air is another excellent choice for travelers seeking Local Airlines in Nigeria. The airline’s headquarters is in Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

With its numerous aircraft, including B737, affordable fares, and comfortable seating options, Azman Air provides its customers with a simple and convenient way to fly to various locations in Nigeria, such as Abuja, Yola, Kebbi, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Kano, Lagos.

Whether you’re flying within Nigeria or to nearby international destinations, Azman Air has you covered.

Azman Airway is renowned for its online service system, good customer relations, and smooth and safe flight deals. 

For more information about Azman Airway, you can visit their website at https://www.airazman.com/ or call 09099800600/09029800600 or send an e-mail to info@airazman.com

5. Overland Airways

Are you looking for a regional airline that serves Local Airlines in Nigeria? Overland Airways is the perfect choice. Although Overland Airways was established in 1998, it began commercial operations in 2002.

Overland Airways is based in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Its main base is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, with a hub at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. 

In 2023, overland expanded its fleet with the delivery of its first Embraer E175 E-Jet, signaling a strategic shift from its predominantly turboprop fleet. 

According to Managing Director Edward Boyo.This move is part of the airline’s expansion plans, aimed at increasing its domestic capacity and regional growth, and  reaffirming its commitment to serving the region’s aviation needs.

With its network of destinations across Nigeria, including Asaba, Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Ikeja, Jalingo, Bauchi, Dutse, Akure, etc., Overland Airways offers convenient and affordable travel options for passengers. 

For more information about Overland Airways, you can visit their website at https://www.overlandairways.com/en  or call: +234(0)803 535 5005/6, 01 4607477-9 or e-mail fly@overlandairways.com

6. Aero Contractors

Established in 1959, Aero Contractors, or simply Aero, is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected airlines and has played a historical role in the country’s aviation development.

It is a state-controlled Nigerian airline company located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Which was formerly owned by the Ibru family. 

Presently, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) now owns 60% of the shares, with the remaining 40% owned by Ibru family interests.

With its commitment to safety and reliability, Aero Contractors has earned an excellent reputation among travelers for offering fixed-wing domestic and regional flights, helicopter services, international scheduled passenger services, air charter, and third-party aircraft operations, mainly supporting Nigeria’s extensive oil and gas industry.

The airline uses up to 20 helicopters and other aircraft types to offer its customers aviation services.

You can visit the Aero Contractor website at https://www.flyaero.com/ for more inquiries or contact via phone number +23416284140 or e-mail at tickethelpdesk@acn.aero

8. Green Africa Airways

Green Africa Airways, a newcomer to the Nigerian aviation scene, is a Lagos-based airline founded in 2015 by Babawande Afolabi and commenced operations in August 2021.

Despite being relatively new, Green Africa Airways has quickly established itself as one of the leading Local Airlines in Nigeria. 

The airline is an ultra-low-cost carrier in the Nigerian air travel market. With its modern fleet of aircraft and commitment to innovation, offering trips to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Akure, etc., Green Africa Airways promises a fresh and exciting travel experience for passengers.

Visit the Green Africa Airways website at https://www.greenafrica.com/ or e-mail at gcare@greenafrica.com for bookings and inquiries.

8. Ibom Air

One of Nigeria’s leading airlines, Ibom Air, is a state-owned enterprise owned by the Akwa Ibom State government. The airline is the first government-owned airline in Nigeria, and launched its operations on June 7, 2019. 

Its inaugural flight was to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, carrying government officials from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.

Ibom Air has seven aircraft available for travelers to maintain its excellent services and varied network (destinations), which includes Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Uyo, and Lagos.

The airline commits to airline safety, service excellence, hospitality, and innovation, with an 88% on-time performance in July 2021.

In April 2023, Ibom Air was awarded the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certificate, a globally recognized standard for airline safety. 

This achievement further solidified Ibom Air’s commitment to safe operations and paved the way for its official membership with IATA in August 2023, making it a preferred airline for passengers in Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.

You can visit the Ibom Air Website at www.ibomair.com or contact customer care at 0703 670 2371 for more information about their flight and services

9. Allied Air Airlines 

In Nigeria, Allied Air is among the regional carriers providing services beyond the standard passenger transportation provided by world carriers. It exclusively offers local flights to CARGOES.

Based at Lagos, Nigeria’s Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Allied Air is a cargo airline founded in 1998. In Nigeria and beyond Africa, it provides scheduled and charter services. 

You can visit the website www.alliedairng.com or E-mail info@alliedairng.com for more inquiries.

10. Rano Air

Rano Air is one of the notable Local Airlines in Nigeria. It is a regional airline that operates domestic flights within Nigeria. While it might not be as widely recognized as some larger carriers, Rano Air has carved out a niche in the Nigerian aviation industry.

Founded on September 27, 2019, and owned by Auwalu Abdullahi Rano as a subsidiary of AA Rano Industries (Rano Industries). Rano Air has steadily grown its operations and fleet to serve passengers traveling to various destinations within Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Maiduguri. 

The airline is headquartered in Kano State, with its primary hub located at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

One key aspect that sets Rano Air apart is its focus on providing reliable and affordable air travel options to passengers, particularly those in underserved regions of Nigeria. 

The airline operates a fleet of modern aircraft (five) which are well-suited for short or medium haul flights. It also offers convenient schedules and competitive fares.

In recent years, Rano Air has expanded its route network and enhanced its services to meet Nigeria’s growing demand for domestic air travel. 

The airline has also introduced initiatives to improve the passenger experience, such as online booking platforms and customer support channels.

In January 2022, following the original application in mid-2020, Rano Air reapplied for a license to transport passengers and goods inside and outside Nigeria on scheduled and non-scheduled flights.

For more information on the Rano airline, you can visit their website at https://www.ranoair.com/ or contact their customer care line on 091 6984 4058

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that each airline plays a vital role in connecting people, communities, and businesses nationwide. Each, with its unique strengths and qualities, caters to the different needs and preferences of travelers across the country, serving as lifelines and providing essential air transport services to passengers from all walks of life.

Whether you prioritize affordability, reliability, or comfort, a local airline in Nigeria is perfect for you. As you plan your next journey within Nigeria, consider the options presented here and choose the airline that best aligns with your preferences and travel plans. 

Whichever airline you select, rest assured that Nigeria’s local carriers are committed to providing you with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience. Thanks for reading! 

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