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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.
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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.
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.
