LAGOS – The United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has unveiled plans for an aggressive regional and international expansion strategy.
The airline aims to reduce foreign carriers’ dominance on routes serving Nigerian travellers.
Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Adedayo Olawuyi, disclosed this on Thursday during a League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) interactive session in Lagos.
Olawuyi said the airline would expand across West Africa, Central Africa and selected long-haul markets.
He noted that the expansion would depend on aircraft deliveries and regulatory approvals.
“The challenge in Nigerian aviation today is the dominance of foreign carriers,” Olawuyi said.
He attributed the situation to weak regional networks among Nigerian airlines.
According to him, many passengers travelling within Africa face unnecessary foreign airline connections.
He said travellers often transit through foreign hubs before reaching nearby African destinations.
Olawuyi cited Dakar-bound passengers who frequently connect through Lomé, Abidjan or Banjul.
“We need flights. Why can’t a Nigerian carrier offer direct service from Lagos to Dakar?” he asked.
He said Nigerian airlines must compete directly by entering foreign markets.
Reports that UNA plans to launch services to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry.
The carrier is also targeting Douala, Libreville and Johannesburg routes.
Beyond Africa, the airline is considering the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Turkey.
Dubai and Saudi Arabia are also among destinations being considered.
However, Olawuyi identified airport infrastructure as a major challenge. He said poor transit facilities were limiting Nigeria’s aviation hub ambitions.
Passengers connecting through Nigeria often face delays and immigration bottlenecks.
“If you bring a passenger from Douala connecting to Johannesburg, they may need a visa,” he said.
Olawuyi said such policies affect Nigeria’s ability to attract transit passengers.
He referenced the success of aviation hubs in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
He said Nigeria could achieve similar benefits through improved facilities. The airline executive welcomed ongoing airport development projects across the country.
He expressed hope that new terminals would improve connectivity and passenger experience.
Olawuyi revealed that UNA was assessing Abuja and Asaba as possible future hubs.
He said domestic growth remained critical before major international expansion.
He said: “We are the second-largest airline by capacity and traffic in the country.
“Domestic expansion remains important because you need a strong backbone before going international.”
UNA currently operates to 15 destinations within Nigeria. The airline also runs daily flights from Lagos and Abuja to Accra, Ghana.
Olawuyi disclosed that the carrier transports between 120,000 and 130,000 passengers monthly.
He added that partnerships would support the airline’s international growth plans.
Interline and code-share agreements would assist routes requiring stronger commercial viability.
He said fleet expansion would involve both owned and leased aircraft. The airline will select aircraft options based on market conditions and operational needs. (NAN)
