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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
United Nigeria Airlines on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m, recorded another major milestone with the launch of its inaugural Abuja–Ado-Ekiti flight.
The airline became the first and only airline currently connecting the nation’s capital to the Ekiti State capital.
In an interview with newsmen at the Nnamdi Asikiwe International Airport, Abuja shortly before his departure to Ado-Ekiti, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, expressed gratitude for the support the airline has continued to receive from Nigerians.
“We feel good and we are thankful to God. When we founded United Nigeria, it was to unite people. We are grateful for the trust people have placed in us,” he noted.
He emphasised the role of aviation as a catalyst in achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic ambition, adding that Ekiti’s large student population stands to benefit immensely from faster, safer travel.
“Ekiti is a major hub for higher education. Many parents face difficulties moving their children to and from school.
“The positive messages we’ve received from parents have been overwhelming,” he said.
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Addressing the ongoing national conversation on high airfares, Okonkwo explained that pricing is heavily influenced by demand, season, and especially taxation.
“There are about 18 taxes on every ticket. A large percentage of what passengers pay does not stay with the operators.
“If taxes are reduced, airfares will drop. We are actively engaging the Senate on the issue,” he said.
He added that Lagos-Ado-Ekiti flights would soon commence, with plans to expand to other high-demand destinations. Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who hails from Ekiti State, commended the airline for opening new doors of economic opportunity for the state.
Bamidele told newsmen at the airport that the new route would support commerce, tourism, and education while easing the burden of road travel for thousands of residents, students, and visitors.
He also assured that the Senate was working closely with aviation stakeholders to address regulatory bottlenecks and reduce flight costs for Nigerians. Earlier, Chairman of Grand Towers Limited and Deputy National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Eze Chidi Duru praised the achievement as a reflection of the airline’s innovative spirit.
“United has been known to break new ground. Only recently they commenced the Abuja–Accra service, and today they are connecting Abuja to Ado-Ekiti. “They remain the first and only airline doing this.
“This will help expand the economic frontiers of Ekiti State. I am happy to identify with United Airlines and with the Ekiti State government where my businesses are deeply invested,” he stressed.
