10 Best Airlines in Nigeria for a Safe and Comfortable Journey

Nigeria has a well-developed domestic aviation network connecting major cities and business hubs across the country. Several Nigerian airlines operate domestic routes, while some also connect passengers to destinations across West Africa and beyond.

Whether you're travelling for business, visiting family, or planning a holiday, choosing the right airline can make your journey more comfortable and convenient.

To help you explore your options, here are 10 airlines in Nigeria featured in this guide.

Note: Airline routes, fleets, schedules, baggage policies, and operational status can change over time. Check the airline's official website before booking.

Top 10 Airlines in Nigeria

1. Air Peace

Air Peace is a Nigerian privately owned airline established in 2013. It has grown into one of the country's prominent domestic carriers and operates from its base at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Why Consider Air Peace?

• Offers scheduled passenger and charter services.
• Operates an extensive domestic network.
• Connects several major Nigerian cities.
• Also serves selected international destinations.
• Offers different travel classes and baggage allowances depending on the fare.
• Has a loyalty programme through which eligible passengers can earn rewards.
• Focuses on customer service and operational standards.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Akure, Asaba, Benin City, Calabar, Enugu, Ilorin, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Yola.

International destinations mentioned in the source: Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and UAE.

Website: www.flyairpeace.com

2. Arik Air

• Arik Air began operations in 2006 and has been an important name in Nigeria's aviation industry. The airline operates from bases in Lagos and Abuja and has historically served several domestic and international destinations.

  Why Consider Arik Air?

  • Operates from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
  • Has operated a variety of aircraft across its history.
  • Serves important Nigerian cities.
  • Has historically operated routes to destinations across Africa and beyond.
  • Provides passenger services with an emphasis on reliability and customer experience.

  Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Ilorin, Jos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri and Yola.

  International destinations mentioned in the source: Ghana, Gabon, Cameroon, Senegal and South Africa.

  Website: www.arikair.com

3. Azman Air

Azman Air is a Nigerian airline based in Kano. Founded in 2010, the airline started commercial operations in 2014 with flights connecting Kano and Abuja.

Why Consider Azman Air?

• Nigerian privately owned airline.
• Based in Kano.
• Operates domestic services connecting several Nigerian cities.
• Provides passengers with affordable travel options.
• Offers a ticket refund policy subject to its terms and conditions.
• Has expanded its presence within the Nigerian domestic aviation market.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Birnin Kebbi, Gombe, Kaduna, Lagos, Maiduguri and Kano.

Website: www.airazman.com

4. Dana Air

Dana Air is a Nigerian airline that has operated domestic passenger services. The airline has historically served several important cities within Nigeria.

Why Consider Dana Air?

• Focuses primarily on domestic services.
• Offers scheduled and charter flights.
• Has operated aircraft including Boeing 737 and McDonnell Douglas models.
• Provides online check-in facilities.
• Offers a frequent-flyer programme called Dana Miles.
• Provides baggage allowances according to the applicable fare and airline terms.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Enugu, Lagos, Owerri and Port Harcourt.

Website: www.flydanaair.com

5. Aero Contractors

Aero Contractors is one of Nigeria's long-established airlines, with roots going back to 1960. Its base is at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The airline has provided both passenger and aviation services and has played an important role in Nigeria's air transport industry.

Why Consider Aero Contractors?

• One of the oldest airlines featured in this list.
• Provides passenger services.
• Has also provided helicopter services for the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
• Has operated different aircraft types over the years.
• Serves several Nigerian cities.
• Provides customer support services for passengers.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Bauchi, Port Harcourt and Sokoto.

Website: www.flyaero.com

6. First Nation Air

First Nation Airways is a privately owned Nigerian airline that was established in 2010. The airline began operations in 2011 and has historically operated domestic services.

The source notes that its operations were suspended by Nigerian authorities in 2018 and that the airline had been associated with a recertification process.

About First Nation Airways

• Based at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
• Historically operated domestic routes.
• Previously used Airbus A319 aircraft.
• Had planned to expand its aircraft fleet.
• Its historical network included several Nigerian cities and international destinations.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, Enugu, Kaduna, Benin City, Kano, Owerri and Uyo.

International destinations mentioned in the source: Ghana, Egypt, UK, Dubai, Minsk, Moscow, Riyadh, Lebanon, Nairobi and Saint Petersburg.

Website: www.flyfirstnation.com

7. Overland Air

Overland Airways was established in 2002 and is a Nigerian airline serving domestic routes. Its principal base is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, with operations also associated with Abuja.

Why Consider Overland Airways?

• Established Nigerian airline with a domestic focus.
• Serves multiple cities across Nigeria.
• Has operated aircraft including ATR and Beechcraft models.
• Provides online booking facilities.
• Offers customer support services.
• Provides payment options and baggage allowances according to applicable terms.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Akure, Ibadan, Ilorin, Taraba and Lagos.

Website: www.overlandairways.com

8. Max Air

Max Air is a Nigerian airline established in 2008. Its main base is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.

The airline has offered both domestic and international services and has operated different aircraft types over the years.

Why Consider Max Air?

• Nigerian airline with a base in Kano.
• Offers domestic and international services.
• Has operated aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Boeing 747 models.
• Connects several Nigerian cities.
• Offers different cabin options depending on the aircraft and service.
• Provides passenger amenities designed to make flights more comfortable.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Bauchi, Katsina, Benin City, Birnin Kebbi, Jos, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Yola and Sokoto.

Website: www.maxair.com.ng

9. Allied Air

Allied Air began operations in 1998 and is known primarily for its cargo operations. The airline has operated both domestic and international services from Nigeria.

Why Consider Allied Air?

• Established Nigerian aviation company.
• Operates cargo-focused services.
• Has served destinations within Nigeria and across Africa.
• Has operated Boeing freighter aircraft.
• Provides online information about flight schedules, routes, arrivals and departures.
• Has historically connected Nigeria with several African destinations.

International destinations mentioned in the source: Ghana, Freetown, Monrovia, Entebbe and Malabo.

Website: www.alliedair.com

10. Ibom Air

Ibom Air is a state-owned Nigerian airline that began operations in 2019. Its first flight operated from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.

The airline has built a network connecting several major Nigerian cities and focuses on service, hospitality and operational efficiency.

Why Consider Ibom Air?

• State-owned Nigerian airline.
• Started commercial operations in 2019.
• Connects several major Nigerian cities.
• Focuses on safety, service, hospitality and innovation.
• Offers a frequent-flyer programme with rewards and benefits.
• Provides customer support for passengers with special requirements, subject to advance notice.

Domestic destinations mentioned in the source: Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Uyo and Lagos.

Website: www.ibomair.com

How to Choose an Airline in Nigeria?

Before booking your flight, compare a few important factors:

1. Check Your Route

Choose an airline that operates directly between your departure and arrival cities. A direct flight can save time and make your journey easier.

2. Compare Baggage Allowance

Baggage rules can vary between airlines and fare types. Always check the permitted checked and cabin baggage before booking.

3. Look at Flight Timings

Compare departure and arrival times, especially if you have connecting flights, hotel check-in times, or other travel plans.

4. Compare Fares

The cheapest ticket isn't always the best option. Check what is included in the fare, such as baggage, seat selection, changes, and other services.

5. Check Current Airline Information

Airline routes and schedules can change. Before travelling, check the latest information directly with the airline.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria has several airlines serving domestic travellers, with some carriers also offering connections to destinations across Africa and other international markets.

From Air Peace and Arik Air to Ibom Air and Aero Contractors, each airline has its own network, services and travel options.

Before booking, compare the current route, fare, baggage allowance and schedule to find the option that best suits your journey.

Ready to explore Nigeria? Choose your route, compare your flight options, and plan your journey with confidence.