Top 16 Airlines In Nigeria :- The Nigerian aviation industry has witnessed a lot of changes in the last few decades. In 1999, the Nigerian government enacted a new policy that liberalized the Nigerian aviation industry and encouraged new private airlines to be formed. This policy change brought in a new era of growth and development for the sector.
Before the deregulation of the Nigerian aviation industry, the industry was characterized by the state-owned Nigeria Airways which was the Nigerian national carrier. However, Nigeria Airways was faced with mismanagement, corruption, and financial crises and thus was grounded in 2003. This led to the formation of new private airlines like Virgin Nigeria, Arik Air, and Dana Air which came in with cheaper prices and broader networks.
The Nigerian aviation industry has grown to be a very active and productive sector in the Nigerian economy at present. The industry contributes significantly to the country’s GDP with over $600 million and offers direct and indirect employment to many individuals. The government has also spent a lot of money in airport development, new terminals, and extension of existing airports to meet the increasing demand for passenger traffic, both local and foreign.
The Skyspace market in Nigeria is now composed of both foreign and domestic airlines that are competing against each other. International players such as Emirates, British Airways, and Delta have continued to operate in the market but Nigerian airline companies such as Air Peace, Dana Air, and Ibom Air have emerged as market leaders, providing numerous flight services and connections within the country.
Largely, Nigeria’s aviation industry is significant to the nation since Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and also the largest economy in the continent. The expansion and development of this sector will be crucial in the ability to address the demand for air transportation and the desire to place Nigeria on the map as a prominent hub for aviation services in the continent.
International Airlines Operating in Nigeria
The aviation industry in Nigeria is a competitive and active industry with several global airlines flying to and within the country. These airlines are very instrumental in linking Nigeria with other parts of the world for business, and tourism among other things. This section will discuss the various international airlines that operate within the country, their routes, services, and the types of aircraft in their fleet.
Airlines from the United States
Some of the American carriers that fly to and from Nigeria include: American AirlinesAirlines offers connections to many other destinations within the United States and other parts of the world.
Delta Airlines
Delta Air Lines is an international flight company that has many flights coming in and going out of Nigeria. The airline has daily direct flights from Lagos to Atlanta with connections to other cities within the USA and other international destinations. These routes are serviced by Delta Air Lines using Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.
United Airlines
Another major airline that flies to and from Nigeria is United Airlines which is an American airline. Currently, the airline operates daily flights from Lagos to Houston with connections to other parts of the United States and other destinations. Currently, United Airlines uses Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft on these routes.
American Airlines
The next significant American airline with flights to and from Nigeria is American Airlines. It operates daily flights from Lagos to Dallas with connecting flights to several other cities in the United States and other international locations. The routes are served by Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft of the American Airlines.
Other Popular Airlines
Other international airlines that exist in Nigeria are other airlines that provide linkages to other parts of the globe. They are:
Emirates
Emirates is one of the leading Middle Eastern airline companies that offers its flight services to and from Nigeria. The airline has daily flights from Lagos to Dubai and connecting flights to other destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. Currently, Emirates deploys Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 777-300ER on these routes.
British Airways
British Airways is among the leading airline companies with flights to and from Nigeria in Europe. Currently, the airline has daily flights from Lagos to London with connecting flights to other parts of Europe and other global locations. These routes are served by Boeing 777-200ER and Boeing 767-300ER aircraft of the British Airways.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is one of the largest airlines in Europe with flight connectivity to and from Nigeria. It has daily flights from Lagos to Frankfurt with connections to other parts of Europe and other continents. Lufthansa currently uses Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 777-200ER airplanes on these routes.
Airlines by Destination
Currently, many international airlines fly to and from Nigeria and these offer connections to many parts of the globe.
Flights to Europe
Many foreign airlines serve Nigeria, and they offer flights to and from Nigeria to different parts of Europe.
- Emirates: Daily flights from Lagos to Dubai with connectivity to other European cities.
- British Airways: It has a daily flight from Lagos to London with a connection to different European cities.
- Lufthansa: Offers daily flights from Lagos to Frankfurt with connecting services to other parts of Europe.
Flights to Asia
Many airlines around the world fly to and from Nigeria with several destinations in Asia. Some of them include:
- Emirates: Lagos–Dubai daily flights with onward connections to other destinations in Asia.
- Qatar Airways: Currently it has a daily flight from Lagos to Doha with connection flights to many parts of Asia.
Flights to the Americas
Some of the international airlines that fly to and from Nigeria include Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, etc. These airlines connect Nigeria to other parts of the world including the Americas.
- Delta Air Lines: Offers daily flights from Lagos to Atlanta with connections to other cities in the United States and other countries.
- United Airlines: Offers daily flights from Lagos to Houston with a connection to other cities in the United States and the rest of the world.
- American Airlines: They have daily nonstop flights from Lagos to Dallas with connecting flights to other cities in the United States and other parts of the world.
Top 10 Local Airlines in Nigeria
In the last two decades, Nigeria’s aviation industry has changed greatly. Where local players have appeared which has changed the existing market and has increased the connection between different regions of the country. These homegrown carriers have also grown route networks and enhanced service delivery while at the same time enhancing the economic growth of the industry. In this part of the study, the author aims to identify the ten local airlines in Nigeria, their background, offered services, and market niche.
1. Air Peace
Air Peace is one of the largest and most dominant local airlines that operates in Nigeria. Out of all the airline companies. This airline was founded in 2013 and, since then, has been growing fast and providing flights both within the country. This airline has over 30 planes in its fleet including Boeing 737, Embraer, and Airbus types, and flies to different destinations within Nigeria, and other West African countries as well as international destinations. It is recognized for its discipline, punctuality, and service delivery, which have made it receive many awards and customer preference.
2. Dana Air
Another local Nigerian airline is Dana Air which is also popular among the flyers due to its reasonably low ticket prices and a large number of destinations. It was founded in 2008 and provides domestic connectivity within Nigeria besides having operational flights to other West African countries. Currently, the airline operates Boeing and McDonnell Douglas planes, and it has received a lot of commendation for its creativity about the services it offers to its clients such as the online check-in and mobile app.
3. Eric Air
Eric Air is a relatively young airline that started its operation in the Nigerian aviation market in 2013. It mainly operates in the domestic market and offers flights to different cities across the nation. Boeing and Embraer are the airplane models in the company’s fleet and the company has established itself as a reliable airline with a strong record of on-time performance.
4. Aero Contractors
Aero Contractors is one of the oldest and most experienced local airline companies in Nigeria with a history tracing its roots back to 1959. It was established long time ago and has contributed immensely to the development of the airline industry in the country. Aero Contractors currently has Boeing and Bombardier aircraft that it uses to provide accommodation for both domestic and regional travel.
5. Ibom Air
Ibom Air is still a newly established airline, which was established in 2019 by the Akwa Ibom State government. However, Ibom Air has only been in existence for just about 5 years but has carved a niche for itself due to the quality of service and punctuality. The airline also uses Bombardier CRJ900 for its operations with domestic destinations within Nigeria.
6. Max Air
Max Air is a domestic and international airline that operates in Nigeria, and it is one of the largest airlines in the country in terms of the number of routes offered and the quality of service provided by the company. It is an airline company that uses Boeing and McDonnell Douglas planes, and they travel to different parts of Nigeria as well as within the West African region and the Middle East.
7. Green Africa Airways
Green Africa Airways is comparatively a young and established airline in the Nigerian aviation industry that began in 2021. It is an airline that aims at making air transport cheaper and easily accessible to the Nigerian populace by using Airbus aircraft’s domestic lines.
8. Overland Airways
Overland Airways is an airline that has its main base in Ikeja, Lagos State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its major hub is at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Overland Airways provides both domestic and regional services, with its main focus and destinations being the cities within Nigeria and other nearby countries.
9. Azman Air
Azman Air is a Nigerian airline that was founded in 2010 and has its headquarters in Kano. The airline currently uses Boeing and McDonnell Douglas airplanes, and it flies only within the country with destinations in Nigeria. Some of the things that make Azman Air unique include that the company prides itself in providing safe and reliable services, as well as charging reasonable prices for its services.
10. Medview Airline
Medview Airline is a Nigerian-based airline that was incorporated in Nigerian Unified Marketing . Active Nigerian-based airline that was incorporated in 2007. It has Boeing aircraft and covers both domestic and international connections. Nowadays, many people are concerned with the quality of service that different companies offer and one of the main goals of Medview Airline is to meet the needs of the clients.
These 10 local airlines have contributed tremendously to the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry. In terms of enhancing connectivity, improving service, and contributing to the economic development of the country. It will be interesting to see how these airlines will continue to operate and how they will be able to counter the forces of change in the industry. To make sure that they will continue to expand and sustain the ever-increasing demand for air travel in Nigeria.
Passenger Traffic and Flight Operations
Air travel in Nigeria has recorded a gradual growth in passenger traffic in the recent past. Due to the growing economic activities and the need for people to travel by air. According to the NCAA, the total passenger traffic through Nigerian airports in 2022 was over 16 million. With Twenty-six international airlines fly 13,003 flights on international routes, while eleven domestic airlines operate 80,328 flights on domestic routes. In active voice: Twenty-six international airlines fly 13,003 flights on international routes, while eleven domestic airlines operate 80,328 flights on domestic routes. Twenty-six international airlines operate 13,003 flights on international routes, while eleven domestic airlines fly 80,328 flights on domestic routes.
International Airlines
Several global airlines effectively fly to and from Nigeria and offer connections to several global locations. Here are some of the key international airlines operating in Nigeria:
- Ethiopian Airlines: Offer flights within and out of Nigeria. Ethiopian Airlines alone recorded over 400,000 passenger traffic to Nigeria in 2022.
- British Airways: Serves Nigerians flying to and from the country as 273,138 passengers. Used the airline to fly to Nigeria in 2022.
- Emirates: Has flights to and from Nigeria, with Emirates having 177,140 passengers flying to Nigeria in 2022.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines also plays Nigeria, with 115,410 passengers flying on the airline to Nigeria in 2022.
- Qatar Airways: It provides flights to and from Nigeria with 115410 passengers flying to Nigeria with Qatar Airways in 2022.
Domestic Airlines
There are many local carriers in Nigeria and they offer flights within the country to connect different locations. Here are some of the key domestic airlines operating in Nigeria:
- Air Peace: Domestic airline that offers flights across the country; it was estimated that more than 115,410 passengers flew with Air Peace in 2022.
- Dana Air: Domestic airline that provides flight services in Nigeria with over 80828 passengers on Dana Air in 2022.
- Azman Air: Functions within Nigeria, with over 209 passengers flying on Azman Air in 2022.
- Ibom Air: Domestic airline that has more than 115,410 passengers using their services in Nigeria in the year 2022.
Flight Operations
Aviation business in Nigeria has also expanded in the recent past. Due to the growing demand for air transport and adequate facilities for the aviation business.
Total Flights: In 2022, there were 193,462 flights in Nigeria; 13,003 on international and 80,328 on domestic flights.
Flight Delays: Air travel disruptions were alarming in Nigeria in 2022. Where over 5,000 flights were either delayed or canceled, 532 flights were delayed and none was canceled in Air Peace.
Flight Cancellations: At least 10 flights were canceled in Nigeria in 2022; over 5,622 baggage items were lost or delayed.
Baggage Handling: In the year 2020 in Nigeria, 5,244 baggage items were reported as missing or delayed. Later, 48,234 of these items were recovered.
The largest airports in Nigeria are:
1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS):
This airport is located in Lagos and it is the busiest in Nigeria, with a passenger footfall of over 5 million yearly. It consists of two terminals; one for international flights and another for domestic ones.
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV):
It is situated in Abuja, this being the second busiest airport in Nigeria after Murtala Muhammed International Airport. To be specific, the number of passengers who use it annually is estimated to be around 4.88 million. There are however plans underway to construct additional terminals to cater to the ever-growing number of travelers who pass through this facility each year.
3. Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC):
Port Harcourt is not left behind when it comes to air transportation. This city boasts of having the third busiest airport in Nigeria which is known as Port Harcourt International Airport (PHC). Otherwise referred to as Omagwa. The above-named gateway serves well over 2.5 million passengers every year and just like most international airports around the world. There are separate terminals for both international and domestic flights here.
4. The Mallam Aminu International Airport (KAN):
It is located in Kano and is the fourth busiest airport in Nigeria with over 1.5 million passengers passing through it yearly. It has one terminal which caters for both international and domestic flights.
5. Akwa Ibom International Airport (QUO)
The Akwa Ibom International Airport situated in Uyo takes the fifth position among the busiest airports in Nigeria accommodating over 1 million passengers annually. It also has one terminal for both international and domestic flights.
These airports are the major hubs for air travel in Nigeria, with many domestic and international flights operating from them. They are also important for the country’s economy, as they facilitate the movement of goods and people.
Conclusion
The Nigerian aviation industry has experienced a dramatic evolution process over the last two decades, which moved from a state-dominated environment to a highly competitive and growing sector. In which many Nigerian and international airlines have appeared. These changes have been made possible by the government’s deregulation and liberalization policies. That have enhanced competition, quality of service, and spread of the network throughout the nation.
The leading 16 airline companies that currently have their operations in Nigeria include both domestic and international airlines. They have significantly contributed towards the growth and development of the industry. These carriers have not only increased their route networks and fleet sizes but have also developed new products and services to address the needs of Nigerian travelers. The main airports in the country including Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Have also experienced infrastructural development as well as expansion intending to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and cargo businesses.
However, the industry is still facing some obstacles that should be solved. Including the lack of infrastructure. The need for reforms in the legislation, and the problem of flight delays and canceled flights. These areas would be very important as they would help in the sustenance and future competitiveness of the aviation industry in Nigeria. Since Nigeria is gradually positioning itself as one of the most significant economic powerhouses in Africa. It is evident that the aviation industry will continue to play a more and more crucial role in enhancing trade, tourism and business. When stakeholders provide their support and cooperation. The Nigerian aviation industry will soar even higher in its development, making Nigeria a preferred destination for aerospace travel in the region and the world.