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Nigeria, a country in West Africa provides air transport for an enjoyable and comfortable journey. In recent years, different private and public owned airlines fly in the different states of Nigeria. Most airlines have a fleet of quality aircraft that provide outstanding services. Some airlines offer both domestic and international routes. We list here the 10 best airlines in Nigeria to give you a safe journey within the country and outside. So, fasten your seat belt and get ready to fly. Read on.
Top Airlines In Nigeria Are:
1. Air Peace
Air Peace is a privately owned airline in Nigeria. A Nigerian entrepreneur Allen Onyema established it in 2013.
Why fly Air Peace?
- You get both chartered and passenger services.
- Freedom of checking 25 kg luggage for economy class and 40 kg luggage for business class.
- Air Peace enjoys the largest market share in the domestic airline segment and is ranked number one among the top airlines in Nigeria.
- Also, it has its operations based in Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Akure, Asaba, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Yola
- International Routes: Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, UAE
- They commit the airline to the concept of TQM and follow strict quality control checks.
- It serves major cities in Nigeria and West Africa including the Middle East.
- The Air Peace loyalty program provides members with points that can be redeemed for rewards or air travel.
- Website: www.flyairpeace.com
2. Arik Air
We formally knew Arik Air as Nigeria Airways; they launched it in 2006. It is Nigeria’s and West Africa’s largest airline. Hence, a must-have experience!
Why fly Arik Air?
- It has two operational bases which are Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
- Second, Arik Airline also has a fabulous fleet of aircraft that ensures maximum service.
- From Boeing 737-700, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 737-800 to Havilland Dash 8-400 among others.
- Domestic Routes: Lago, Abuja, Benin City, Ilorin, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Yola.
- International Routes (before 2021): Ghana, Gabon, Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa.
- Arik Air operates a combined number of 120 daily flights and is Africa’s fastest-growing airline.
- The airline serves an ever-expanding route of key cities in Nigeria, Africa, the US and Europe.
- The airline also emphasizes reliability and innovation with great customer service.
- Website: www.arikair.com
3. Azman Air
This is one of the top airlines in Nigeria and is a Nigerian-based airline. The airline base is in Kano State in northern Nigeria.
Why fly Azman Air?
- It was founded by Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina in 2010, a Nigerian business owner.
- Its operation began in 2014 with a route from Kano State to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Lagos, Maiduguri, Kano
- International Routes: The Bahamas in Nassau
- Enjoy affordable and comfortable flights to various destinations in Nigeria and avail the advantages of a ticket refund policy.
- It is one of the fastest-growing privately-owned Nigerian airlines. Hence, it is loved by travelers from around the country.
- Website: www.airazman.com
4. Dana Air
It started its operation in 2014 but lost its license because of a crash in Lagos in 2012. But, it regained its license in 2014 from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Since then it has been one of the best airlines in Nigeria. It currently offers only domestic services.
Why fly Dana Air?
- Dana Air offers excellent service and offers a fleet of aircraft to fly with such as Boeing 737-300, McDonnell Douglas MD-82, and Mc Donnell Douglas MD-83.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt
- Dana Air is a hybrid airline that offers safety and quality and efficiency of price as a low-cost carrier.
- It offers flights to five destinations in Nigeria and provides scheduled and chartered flights.
- Dana Air allows passengers one piece of checked baggage free.
- Passengers can utilise the online check-in services for a hassle-free booking.
- Dana Miles is a frequent flyer program that allows redemption of miles and other benefits.
- Website: www.flydanaair.com
5. Aero Contractors
This is one of the oldest airlines and among the 10 best airlines in Nigeria. It started operations in 1960 and is based at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja. The airline is owned by the Ibru family at 40% stake while the rest is owned by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria.
Why fly Aero Contractors?
- Aero Nigeria provides passenger services and Rotary Wing provides helicopter services to the Nigerian Oil and Gas industry.
- To maintain its top position it provides a fleet of aircraft from Boeing 737-400, 737-500, De Havilland Dash 8-Q 200 among others.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Bauchi, Port Harcourt, Sokoto.
- Aero Contractors is a reliable way to fly with call centres that provide service.
- It operated 6717 flights in 2019 and sells cheap ticket prices with amazing discounts.
- Website: www.flyaero.com
6. First Nation Air
First Nation is a privately owned airline and renders exceptional passenger services. They established it in 2010 and began operations in 2011. But, in May 2018, the Nigerian authorities ceased operations. The airline has planned aircraft expansion in 2020 and is undergoing the recertification process.
Why fly First Nation Air (when it resumes)?
- It has its base in Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and started its operation in 2013.
- It had flight routes to Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt initially. But now, the airline runs various domestic and international routes.
- It flies an Airbus A319-100 aircraft and is one of the best airlines in Nigeria.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Enugu, Kaduna, Benin City, Kano, Owerri, Uyo
- International Routes: Ghana, Egypt, UK, Dubai, Minsk Belarus, Moscow, Riyadh, Lebanon, Nairobi, Saint Petersburg
- It is a full-service carrier and promises to ensure customer care with Airbus aircraft.
- Website: www.flyfirstnation.com
7. Overland Air
Overland Air is among the best airlines in Nigeria and was established in 2002. It offers strong services and operates locally.
Why fly Overland Air?
- Its principal base is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
- It has nine aircrafts to render maximum services to passengers from ATR 42, ATR 72 to Beechcraft 1900D.
- It also has a base at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Akure, Ibadan, Ilorin, Taraba, Lagos
- Also, it has a 4.5 stars rating based on 3581 service ratings over the past year.
- The airlines provide a dedicated customer service team on hand.
- Book tickets online and find some amazing deals on ticket prices.
- The Overland Air flight accepts payment in Nigerian Naira and 160+ different currencies.
- Some baggage can be carried free subject to terms and conditions, and the maximum allowance permitted.
- Website: www.overlandairways.com
8. Max Air
Max Air is one of the top airlines in Nigeria to consider. It started its operations in 2008 and is a good airline to travel in.
Why fly Max Air?
- Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal established it, a noted entrepreneur.
- It has its base at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in northern Nigeria.
- It provides both domestic and international services.
- Max Airline has a fleet of aircraft to maintain its services from Boeing 737-300, Boeing 747-400 to Learjet 45.
- Domestic Routes: Abuja, Bauchi, Katsina, Benin City, Birnin Kebbi, Jos Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Yola, Sokoto
- Also, it provides pleasurable trips and offers the finest dishes and comfortable seating.
- Personal choices based on health and other cuisine options are available on board Business Class.
- Economy Class seating provides head, and foot supports to add to your comforts.
- Website: www.maxair.com.ng
9. Allied Air
Allied Air began its operations in 1998 and is popular as one of the best airlines in Nigeria. It has different routes both locally and internationally.
Why fly Allied Air?
- The frequency of flights runs five times a week that include routes to Libreville, Gabon, and Douala, Cameroon.
- A famous businessman called Valentine Tongo established it.
- There are many flights to Nairobi, Kenya which is thrice a week, Port Harcourt five times a week, and Abuja six times a week.
- Further, to maximize its services Allied Air currently has Boeing 727 Freighter and Boeing 737-400F aircraft in its fleet.
- Get great deals and discounts with Allied Air ticket bookings.
- Flight timings, arrivals, departures, routes can be viewed online.
- International Routes: Ghana, Freetown, Monrovia, Entebbe, Malabo.
- Website: www.alliedair.com
10. Ibom Air
Ibom Air is one of the top airlines in Nigeria and is a state-owned property. It is the first airline in Nigeria to be owned by the government. Its first flight was from Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
Why fly Ibom Air?
- It has a varied network that includes Abuja, CalabarCalabar, Enugu, Uyo, and Lagos.
- Also, it has seven aircrafts available for travellers to maintain its excellent service.
- Ibom Air started operations in 2019 and has a partnership with Dana Air.
- They commit the airline to safety, service excellence, hospitality, and innovation.
- Hence, it is the airline of choice for passengers in Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.
- In July 2021 it had an 88% on-time performance.
- You can take part in the Ibom Air frequent flyer loyalty program and enjoy exclusive benefits, recognition, and rewards.
- Customer service provides special help to ensure a comfortable flight experience. Requests can be made 72 hours in advance.
- Website: www.ibomair.com
