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By Chukwuma Umeorah
United Nigeria Airlines on Friday commenced direct flight service to Ilorin, marking a new expansion step for the carrier and adding to the growing number of airlines operating from the Kwara State capital.
The launch also highlights the rising demand for improved domestic connectivity as more states position themselves as emerging commercial hubs in the North Central region.
Speaking shortly after the inaugural flight from Lagos landed at the Tunde Idiagbon Airport, Ilorin, the Director of Operations, United Nigeria Airlines, Captain Ahmad Ibrahim, described the development as a milestone for the airline. “This is another milestone for United Nigeria and we are committed to unite people, family, homes together within Nigeria and outside,” he said. The maiden flight, operated with the ERJ-145 aircraft, had 41 passengers onboard and received the traditional water salute on arrival.
Ibrahim added that the Ilorin launch aligns with the airline’s long-term plan to widen its network. “We are expanding daily. This Ilorin route is part of our target to expand our wings, our territory within the whole Nigeria and we are very happy today to be able to accomplish this to bring the United Nigeria into Kwara State,” he said.
According to him, the airline recently opened the Accra route, with more destinations expected “very soon.” United Nigeria Airlines, which commenced operations in February 2021, now flies to 14 domestic airports and operates a fleet of nine aircraft.
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The state government also pledged full cooperation to ensure the success of the route and the continued growth of air transport in the region. Representing the Governor of Kwara State, the Hon. Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Korasabi said the new operation would strengthen mobility and improve transport options for residents and visitors. He noted that the service is expected to support the state’s ongoing development drive by easing travel for investors and accelerating economic integration.
“Their operations will add to the number of airlines leaving Kwara State, and that will serve as a very good advantage for all Nigerians in Ilorin, coming to Ilorin,” he said.
He added that improved flight options would support economic activity and ease travel. “With this, we want to assure that the Kwara State government will cooperate with the airline, and we will make sure whatever is required as an assistance to this airline, to make it grow, we will definitely do it.”
Other stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the development. The Emir of Ilorin, HRH. Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, said the addition of United Nigeria Airlines signals growth for the aviation sector in the state. “It means that we are expanding. It means that we are growing and we are praying for more of it,” he said. He stressed that sustained airline presence could support Ilorin’s ambition to become a preferred transit point for travellers moving within the North Central zone.
Sulu-Gambari, who was represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Usman Atolegbe Abubakar, urged the airline to maintain regular and punctual services, adding that pricing would remain an important factor for passengers.
Passengers on the inaugural flight also shared their experiences. Omali Benjamin described the trip as satisfactory. “This is actually my first time on United Nigeria. It’s been amazing,” he said, noting that the take-off and landing were “absolutely well” handled by the pilot and that the cabin crew performed professionally. He added that based on the inaugural experience, “I would recommend this airline to other people.”
Another first-time passenger, Suleiman Abdulkadiri, said he felt excited to be on the maiden Ilorin trip. “Being the first time, I feel so excited. I feel so happy. The reception from the staff was great too and I appreciate them for that.” Several passengers also highlighted that the new service offers timely relief for frequent travellers who previously relied on longer road journeys between Lagos, Abuja, and Ilorin.
