United Nigeria Airlines has unveiled ambitious expansion plans that will see the carrier extend its footprint across West Africa, Central Africa and key intercontinental destinations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Europe, as it continues to strengthen its fleet and route network.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, disclosed the plans during the Naija7Wonders Zoom Conference 3.0, themed “Festivals and Tourism in Nigeria: A New Pathway,” where he highlighted the critical role of air connectivity in driving tourism and economic development.
Speaking at the virtual conference, Olawuyi said United Nigeria Airlines has experienced steady growth since commencing operations five years ago and is now in its sixth year of operation.
According to him, the airline currently operates to 15 domestic destinations across Nigeria and has expanded its regional operations with scheduled flights to Accra, Ghana.
He revealed that the airline’s fleet has grown to nine aircraft, with the recent acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, the first two of six purchased from Southwest Airlines.
The airline has also added an Embraer E190 currently operating on a wet lease arrangement, while two additional Embraer 190 aircraft are expected to join the fleet in August under a dry lease agreement.
“The intention is to grow our fleet as we start to expand beyond the shores of Nigeria,” Olawuyi said, adding that the airline is positioning itself to serve more destinations across the West African sub-region.
He listed Abidjan, Banjul, Dakar, Conakry, Monrovia and Freetown among the destinations being considered in West Africa, while Douala and Libreville are part of the airline’s Central African expansion strategy.
Beyond the regional market, Olawuyi disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines is also planning to commence operations to Johannesburg, South Africa, despite the market challenges associated with the route.
“Despite the issues, the issues will come and go; business will continue,” he said, expressing confidence in the airline’s long-term expansion strategy.
On international operations, the Chief Commercial Officer said the carrier is working towards launching direct flights to major global destinations, including New York in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the expansion is part of the airline’s broader vision to transform from a domestic carrier into a leading regional and international airline connecting Nigeria with major business, tourism and pilgrimage destinations.
Industry stakeholders at the conference noted that enhanced air connectivity remains essential to unlocking Nigeria’s tourism potential, particularly by improving access to cultural festivals and other tourism attractions across the country.
The Naija7Wonders Zoom Conference 3.0 brought together tourism and aviation professionals to explore how festivals and improved transportation infrastructure can serve as catalysts for boosting domestic tourism, attracting international visitors and stimulating economic growth.
