Safety is paramount when it comes to transportation. Everyone would prefer to pick the transportation option with a lesser likelihood of casualties than others. This is aside from other factors such as reduced delays, comfort, extraordinary customer service, scope of onboard offices, and trips with less stress. There are top local airlines in Nigeria you should consider to get all these features, and they are enlisted in this article.
Airlines offer clients with diverse focus on aspects of travel services, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) rates them according to a wide range of factors. These factors are put into consideration in the list of the top 10 local airlines you should look out for when considering traveling by air.
1. Arik Air
Arik Air comes top in the list of best local airlines in Nigeria. It was established in 2002 but finally kicked off operation in 2006 with headquarters located at the Arik Air Aviation Centre, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The airline doesn’t just operate locally, they also fly internationally. And currently, they operate about 22 fleet sizes that can board passengers from between 72 to 149. For some selected fights, you are allowed to check-in online from 24 hours before flight to 2 hours before flight take-off time. But other passengers are to check-in at the airport and then have their luggage scanned before boarding.
One hand luggage permitted by passengers shouldn’t weigh more than 6kg, and when it exceeds that, it is transferred into the hold. For bags exceeding 30kg, you’ll have to make extra payments which is determined by the class of travel and destination.
You can also consider either booking for roundtrips or a one-way journey. One-way could be any of going or returning, but they often attract higher costs than roundtrips.
Additionally, your travel class, time of flight booking, take-off time, and travel destination are common determinants of your ticket prices. They are also often higher when a booking comes in less than 48 hours to your flight date.
2. Air Peace
Air Peace was founded in 2013 and is considered the least expensive domestic airline in Nigeria. This however doesn’t affect their quality of service. In fact, it received the best domestic airline of the year award by IOSA. The company is privately owned and has its headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The airline has aircraft used for transporting passengers and charter services. They are also used for international flights across countries and continents. You can fly to countries such as the United States, Britain, Senegal, South Africa, Israel, UAE, China, and India among others.
The airline has a reward system that is channeled at rewarding their customers, and it is known as Peace Advantage. You are required to be at least 16-years-old and must have flown with the airline three times or more to be eligible. You’ll start receiving rewards called peace points after being registered.
You can make use of peace points for as long as you want and you may also use them to upgrade your flight class. There are extra benefits you’ll enjoy from the flight upgrade you get. These may include extra space for baggage, meals, and so on.
3. Dana Air
Dana Air kicked off operations on 10th November 2008. They offer customers aviation service that combines operational efficiency of new-age carriers and top-level safety and quality on-board services using modernized equipment.
The airline focuses on appealing to business and leisure travelers whose target is high quality, safe, and affordable air transport all around the globe. They currently operate locally and internationally, and also offer Executive Charter Services through a brand new Bombardier Learjet 45XR.
The company’s vision is to be appreciated as Nigeria’s customer-friendly and most reliable airline. And also to earn customers’ loyalty through regular provision of affordable service, leveraging quality service, innovation, and excellence.
4. Aero Contractors Airline
Aero started in 1970 and has ever since, gained so much respect in the Nigeria aviation sector with their scheduled commercial and offshore oil and gas operation. They are focused on providing both fixed wings and rotary services to the world standard level of safety.
The company’s headquarters is in Lagos, and it currently operates 20 helicopters and 15 fixed wing aircraft, and about 1,300 personnel. It boasts of a high record in punctuality and safety. Aero is also regarded as a leading regional and innovative carrier in the whole of West Africa.
With its high operational and safety record, Aero has continuously invested in the security of its staff, equipment, operations, and ultimately, customers.
5. Overland Airways
Overland Airways kicked off operations in 2002 after being incorporated in 1998. It was registered to schedule and charter flights to boost the prosperity of the Nigerian hinterland through transportation of various stakeholders which include government officials, business individuals, and investors.
The company has consistently been among Nigeria’s top local airlines. It operates ‘Business Flyer’ – a scheduled domestic flight service operating in the country that embarks on various local routes including Lagos, Ilorin, Bauchi, Abuja, Asaba, Ibadan, Jalingo, Ilorin, Akure, Minna, Dutse, and charter services.
It also transports people from Nigeria to West and Central Africa. Overland Airways fleet consists of Beechcraft 1900Ds, ATR-72s, and ATR-42s. The airline has numerous awards but the one which truly speaks volume is being recognised as the fastest-growing domestic airline in Nigeria.
6. Azman Air
Azman Air was established in 2010 and focused on providing customers with world-class aviation services, effective online services, topnotch customer services, and operational competence.
The company currently operates return flights locally to these various destinations: Lagos to Kano, Abuja, Kaduna, Kebbi, Gombe, Yola, Maiduguri, and Portharcourt. Also from Abuja to Kano, Kebbi, Lagos, Maiduguri, Gombe, Yola, and Portharcourt. As well as Kano to Kebbi, Lagos, Abuja.
It also operates international flights to countries outside Nigeria. It is been over a decade ago since it started and it still one of the best local airlines in Nigeria that adheres to globally recognized safety standards.
7. Max Air
Max Air boasts of a single-minded determination to attain the top as regards aviation around the world. It has top-level safety and timely services that are offered to customers of various classes and levels.
‘Integrity and efficiency’ is their watch-word and it stands them out in the Nigerian aviation industry.
They have a great team of workers who are dedicated to ensuring that you have everything sorted out and well satisfied at the end of your journey. Mar Air will always remain one of the best local (domestic) airlines in Nigeria judging by their commitments to quality and affordable timely services.
8. Ibom Air
Ibom Air is the very first state-owned airline in Nigeria, and it is owned by the Akwa Ibom state government. It started operating in 2019, after a Bombardier CRJ900 with government officials on board took off from Victor Attah International Airport on the 7th June of the same year.
The airline on its website states that it aims to become the airline that most airlines look up to for their professionalism and dedication to a safe, reliable, and enjoyable flying experience. The airline currently flies to Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, and Uyo.
9. Green Africa
Green Africa was established by Babawande Afolabi in 2015 as a low-cost carrier. They received required licensing in mid-2018 from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The company has a goal of providing the Nigerian domestic market with top-level services and also broaden its tentacles to other nations across Africa. Green Africa Airways fleet is 53 Airbus A220-300, and many more to follow as the airline gradually enters the market.
10. Dornier Aviation
Dornier Aviation Nigeria is a local airline with its head office in Kaduna that operates aircraft services based on a charter basis, also maintenance service, and aircraft management. The aviation company also has offices in Abuja and Lagos.
It also provides special services like aerial photography, emergency medical evacuation service, and agricultural flying. The Dornier Aviation Nigeria fleet has 5 Dornier 328-100 that are currently working.
