As you plan your travels within and beyond Nigeria’s borders, understanding your airline options is crucial. Nigeria boasts a diverse array of both domestic and international carriers, each offering unique routes, services, and experiences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, knowing the landscape of airlines operating in Nigeria can help you make informed decisions for your next journey.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover a complete list of airlines serving Nigeria’s airspace, from local favorites to global giants. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the skies and choose the carrier that best suits your travel needs and preferences.
Overview of Airlines in Nigeria
Nigeria boasts a vibrant aviation sector with 23 active domestic airlines operating within the country. These carriers serve both domestic and international routes, transporting approximately 6 million passengers and 119,000 tonnes of freight annually. Major players in the Nigerian airline industry include Air Peace, Arik Air, Dana Air, and Azman Air, among others.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) oversees the licensing and regulation of airlines, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Meanwhile, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) manages commercial airports, facilitating smooth operations for both passenger and cargo airlines.
Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos serves as the primary gateway, handling over 60% of total passenger traffic. Other key airports include those in Abuja (Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport), Port Harcourt (Port Harcourt International Airport), and Kano (Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.) With passenger numbers and aircraft movements growing at an average of 10% annually, Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to expand, solidifying its position in the global air transport network.
History of Airline in Nigeria
The earliest airline operations in Nigeria began during the colonial era, with the creation of services by airlines such as Imperial Airways (later British Overseas Airways Corporation, BOAC) in the 1930s. These services were primarily designed to connect Nigeria to its colonial ruler, Britain, and other sections of the British Empire.
In 1946, the West African Airways Corporation (WAAC) was established by the British to facilitate air transport in West Africa. Nigeria Airways was founded in 1958 as the national carrier. It initially operated regional routes and gradually expanded to international destinations in Europe and North America. The airline reached its peak in the 1980s with a fleet of over 30 aircraft. However, mismanagement and financial troubles led to its decline in the 1990s. Nigeria Airways was eventually liquidated in 2003, marking the end of the national carrier era. Subsequently, private airlines like Arik Air emerged to fill the void. Today, Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development and regional connectivity.
List of Airlines in Nigeria
As you explore air travel options in Nigeria, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the country’s diverse array of airlines. Nigeria boasts a robust aviation sector featuring both international carriers and domestic operators. According to Wego, popular airlines serving Nigeria include Air Peace, Arik Air, and Ibom Air for domestic routes, while international options encompass Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, and British Airways.
Local Airlines in Nigeria
Domestic airlines in Nigeria operate within the country, flying passengers to major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Uyo, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna, among others. Nigeria’s domestic airline landscape is characterized by a mix of established and emerging carriers. You’ll find options like Aero Contractors, one of the oldest domestic airlines, and newer entrants, such as Green Africa Airways and ValueJet. These airlines connect major cities across the country, facilitating business and leisure travel.
| S/N | Domestic Airlines | ADDRESS | FAX/TEL NO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Aero Contractors Nigeria Limited | Old Domestic Wing, P.M.B. 21090, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja. | 243-1-7901348-9
234-1-4979122-3 234-1-4962570 Fax: 234(1) 4971973 |
| 2. | Allied Air Limited | NAHCO Building, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. | 01-493-2431
Tel: 01 -4932430 |
| 3. | Arik Air Limited | Arik Air Aviation, MMIA, Domestic Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. | Fax:: 01-4975910
234-1-497510 |
| 4. | Azman Air | 131, Ibrahim Taiwo Road,
Kano. |
09029800600 |
| 5. | Associated Airlines Services Limited | Associated House, 56, Moshood Abiola Crescent, off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos. | 01-4936514, 4966185
4973700, 4963562 Tel: 01 -4973700 |
| 6. | Bristow Helicopter (Nig) Limited | General Aviation Terminal, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. | 01 2704590-24962610 |
| 7. | Caverton Helicopters | 2, Prince Kayode Akingbade Close, Victoria Island, Lagos. | 234 1 2705757
234 1 2705656 234 1 4618745 |
| 8. | Chanchangi Airlines Limited | Plot A5/6 Kachia Road,
P.O. Box 679, Kaduna South, Kaduna |
062-231010
|
| 9. | Dana Airlines Limited | Head Office: 54 Marina street Marina, Lagos.
Operations Office: 51, Allen Avenue, Ikeja |
234 1 4622300-6
Fax 234 12663645 |
| 10. | Donier Aviation AIEP Limited | Old Airport, P.O. Box 5662, Kaduna. | 2666118, 2666283
Fax 2663645 |
| 11. | First Nation Airways | 66B Opebi Road, Ikeja, Lagos. | 01-2709636, 2702700-1 |
| 12. | IRS Airlines | Plot 62, Michael Otedola Crescent, GRA Ikeja, Lagos | 09-5236071
01-5453754 |
| 13. | Kabo Air Limited | No. 6773 Ashlon Road, P.O. Box 1850, Kano. | 064 -632386
064-648804 Fax 064-648804 |
| 14. | Kings Airlines & Travels Limited | Head Office: 4th Floor, N.S.E. Building, P.O. Box 71593, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Operations Office: Old Domestic Airport, CAFU Hangar, Ikeja, Lagos. |
Tel: 01 – 2614012
Tel:2615317 Fax: 01 – 2622125 |
| 15. | Max Air Ltd | 16, Ashton Rd, Kano | 08059696976, 08063222200 |
| 16. | Odengene Air Shuttle | 1 Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos | 01-7909809, 2347082 Fax 01-4979523 |
|
17. |
Overland Airways
Limited |
17, Simbiat Abiola Road, P.O. Box 9910, Ikeja, Lagos |
Tel: 01 -4979780 Fax: 4937699 |
| 18. | Pan African Airlines | General Aviation Terminal, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos | 01 2704590-2 |
| 19 | Topbrass Aviation | 43B Oduduwa Crescent, GRA Ikeja, Lagos | 01-6284969, 08055500091 |
| 20 | Air Peace | 64 Awolowo Road,
Ikeja, Lagos. |
08107923385 |
|
21 |
Omni-Blu Aviation | Skypower Catering Complex, domestic Intl Terminal Link Road, Ikeja, Lagos. | 08127050000 |
International Airlines in Nigeria
For your international travel needs, Nigeria is well-served by carriers flying to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Whether you’re planning a trip to neighboring African countries or long-haul flights to other continents, you’ll have a variety of airlines to choose from, each offering unique services and routes.
The following is a list of all international and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.
S/N Foreign Airlines Address
| S/N | Foreign Airlines | Address |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Africa World Airlines | UNTL Building
1 Davies Street, Marina, Lagos. |
| 2. | Air Côte D’ Ivoire | 270 Ozumba Nbadiwe, Water Front, Victoria Island,
Lagos. |
| 3. | Air France | SAPETRO Towers, 1st floor,
1, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos +234-01-4612350, 4610777 Fax: +234-1-2617959 |
| 4. | Air Italy | 5/7 Alhaji Rafiu Street, off MMIA Road, Mafoluku Oshodi,
Lagos. 08033079397, 08098079397, 07038866122 |
| 5. | Air Namibia | 27-29 Dr, W. Kulz Street,
Windhoek, Namibia. |
| 6. | Asky Airlines | 2nd floor, Skye Bank Building
87, Allen Avenue Ikeja, Lagos. |
| 7. | BADR Air | Arkawet Block 65,
Khartoum, Sudan. |
| 8. | British Airways | The WaterFront,
Plot 5, Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Ikoyi, Lagos 012792100, 012692100, 2692440, |
| 9. | CamAir Co | B.P. 4852,
Douala, Cameroun. 09030093152 |
| 10. | Cronos Airlines | S/N Amanda Building
No 89-Bioko Norte Malabo, Equatorial Guinea +240 333 09 0471
NAHCO Office Complex, near Lufthansa Office, Port Harcourt Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt. |
| 11. | Delta Airlines | 3B Sapara Williams Close, Victoria Island, Lagos
Room 3076, MMIA. 01279900,01279901 & 08077432666 |
| 12. | Egypt Air | No 22, Idowu Taylor Street, UBA PLC House, Victoria Island |
| 13. | Emirates Airlines | 4th Floor ChurchGate Towers,
Plot 30, Church Gate Street formerly Afribank Street), Lagos. |
| 14. | Ethiopian Airlines | 3 Idowu Taylor Street,
Victoria Island, Lagos. |
| 15. | Etihad Airways | 11th Floor Churchgate Tower 2
2, Churchgate Street former Afribank Street Victoria Island Lagos. |
| 16. | Kenya Airways | 1st floor, Churchgate Towers
Pc 30, Afribank street, Victoria Island, Lagos. |
| 17. | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | SAPETRO Towers, 1st floor,
1, Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos +234-01-4612350 Fax: +234-1-2617959 |
| 18. | Lufthansa Airlines | 2nd Floor Churchgate Towers
Plot PC 30 Afribank Street Victoria Island, Lagos +234 1 4612222/4480963 |
| 19. | Middle East Airlines | Plot 1676, OladeleOlashore street,
Off SanusiFafunwa Street, P.O. Box 70380 Victoria Island, Lagos. |
|
20. |
Qatar Airways | Standard Chartered Bank Building
142 Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos. 01-2798888 & 08039754500 |
| 21. | RwandAir | 1, Davis Street, Marina, Lagos.
014633124-6, 08108190851, +250788665464 08071825821, 013427128 |
| 22. | Royal Air Maroc | Coscharis Building,
2nd floor, opp. KIA motors, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos. |
| 23. | Saudi Arabian Airlines | 7 Sani Marshall Road Bompai, Kano.
08091180001 |
| 24. | South African Airways | 13th Floor, Churchgate Towers 11, Churchgate Street
Victoria Island, Lagos. |
| 25. | Sudan Airways | 9A Post Office Rd, Kano. |
| 26. | Tarco Air | 375 Civic Center Road,
Kano. 08037815051 |
| 27. | Turkish Airlines | 25A Karimu Kotun Street
Victoria Island, Lagos 01-2716031 |
| 28. | Virgin Atlantic Airways | The Place
25, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way Ikeja, Lagos. 01-4612763, 08035351386 |
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, Nigeria boasts a diverse array of both international and domestic airlines serving its vibrant aviation market. From established national carriers to emerging regional players, these airlines connect Nigeria to destinations across Africa and beyond. By familiarizing yourself with the options available, you can make more informed choices for your travel needs within and from Nigeria. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding the landscape of Nigerian airlines empowers you to select the best carrier for your specific route, budget, and preferences. As Nigeria’s aviation sector continues to evolve, staying updated on the latest developments will ensure you’re always prepared for your next journey through Nigerian skies.