FG Approves New York, Canada, Dubai Routes for United Nigeria Airlines

United Nigeria Airlines

FG Approves New York, Canada, Dubai Routes for United Nigeria Airlines

The Federal Government has approved several international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including New York, Canada, and Dubai, in a move aimed at boosting the participation of indigenous carriers in the lucrative global aviation market.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development on Thursday during the unveiling of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft by the airline in Lagos.

According to the minister, the route approvals form part of the government’s broader strategy to ensure Nigerian-owned airlines secure a larger share of international passenger traffic, which has long been dominated by foreign carriers.

“We are giving United about four or five routes now. We are giving them New York. We are giving you Canada. We are giving you Dubai. We are giving you some very fruitful routes now,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo lamented that foreign airlines currently control between 90 and 95 per cent of passenger traffic from Nigeria to major destinations across the world, despite bilateral agreements that grant Nigerian airlines reciprocal rights to operate those routes.

The minister stressed that the government is determined to empower local carriers to compete effectively on international routes and retain a larger share of aviation revenue within the country.

“That market is our market. It doesn’t belong to anybody. Under those bilateral service agreements, we also have reciprocal rights to run those routes. They have to enter that market and eat part of that market,” he said.

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The minister noted that the newly approved routes were granted ahead of the airline’s full capacity to operate them, expressing confidence in the carrier’s ongoing expansion programme.

The announcement came as United Nigeria Airlines unveiled two newly acquired Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, further strengthening its fleet and operational capabilities.

The aircraft, registered as 5N-CFB and 5N-CFC, were named after His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and legendary Nigerian novelist Professor Chinua Achebe.

The airline said the new aircraft will help improve operational efficiency, reduce flight disruptions, and support its plans for regional and international expansion.

Industry observers see the acquisition as a major milestone in the airline’s ambition to become one of West Africa’s leading carriers.

Keyamo also revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company designed to support domestic airlines in acquiring aircraft through government-backed financing arrangements.

According to him, access to affordable aircraft financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing local airlines, and the initiative is expected to ease fleet acquisition and expansion.

The minister described the route approvals as the outcome of more than two years of policy reforms and stakeholder engagement aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“It took about two and a half years for us to begin to reap the fruits of the policy direction that we laid down,” he said.

Beyond route approvals, Keyamo disclosed that the Federal Government is partnering with the Abia State Government to develop an international airport in the state.

He said United Nigeria Airlines is expected to eventually use the facility as one of its operational hubs, while Enugu International Airport is being positioned as a major cargo hub for the South-East region.

The minister also defended the government’s decision to support private airlines instead of reviving a national carrier, citing the collapse of Nigeria Airways as an example of how political interference can undermine airline operations.

Speaking at the event, Boeing representative Moore Ibekwe commended reforms introduced by the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

He highlighted recent efforts to improve aircraft financing, technical training, safety standards, and regulatory efficiency, describing them as critical to the future growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Ibekwe also noted that Boeing recently launched a technical training programme in Nigeria to support the development of local pilots and engineers.

According to him, Africa is expected to require about 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years, creating significant opportunities for Nigerian airlines.

“When I look at these two aircraft behind us today, I see much more than two airplanes. I see enormous potential. I would like to see United Nigeria grow into a 50-aircraft airline within the next decade,” he said.

The airline’s expansion plans align with previous disclosures by its Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, who said the carrier intends to significantly increase its fleet and expand beyond domestic and regional operations.

United Nigeria Airlines currently operates across major Nigerian cities and serves regional destinations, including Accra, Ghana.

The airline has outlined plans to launch services to destinations such as London, Rome, Jeddah, Dubai, and New York, as it seeks to establish itself as a major player in international aviation.

For many industry stakeholders, the approval of the new routes represents a significant boost for United Nigeria Airlines and a major step toward increasing Nigeria’s presence in the global aviation market.