United Nigeria, Umza drive competition on Ilorin route with new flights

Passengers travelling to General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin from Lagos and Abuja may soon ease a sigh of relief as two new domestic airlines have announced flight operations to the airport. Starting from November 30th 2025, Umza Air would launch scheduled flight operations between Ilorin and Abuja, offering passengers an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective […]

Passengers travelling to General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin from Lagos and Abuja may soon ease a sigh of relief as two new domestic airlines have announced flight operations to the airport.

Starting from November 30th 2025, Umza Air would launch scheduled flight operations between Ilorin and Abuja, offering passengers an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective travel solution.

Similarly, United Nigeria Airlines has announced flight operations to Ilorin with effect from December 5, 2025.

Daily Trust reports that this is coming amidst the concerns over high fares on the route charged by Overland Airways, the only airline operating to the state.

Air fares to Ilorin from Lagos and Abuja have been described by passengers as too expensive with a one-way ticket costing as much as N350,000.

Aviation analysts attribute the situation to the force of demand and supply since only Overland is the only carrier operating daily flights to the state.

Air Peace and Arik Air which used to operate to the airport have recently suspended operations while Green Africa also operates three weekly flights with only Overland operating daily scheduled flights.

However, passengers on the route have expressed excitement and hope of reduced fares with the planned commencement of flights by Umza and United Nigeria.

Umza especially is crashing the fares by more than half the cost of a one-way ticket with an introductory fare of N140,000.

 

The airline in a statement said, “The new service provides a convenient same-day travel option, departing Ilorin to Abuja at 7:45 AM and returning Abuja to llorin at 5:00 PM.

 

“This schedule is designed to support business and personal travel, allowing passengers to maximize their time in the Federal Capital Territory without incurring the cost or inconvenience of overnight stays.

 

“With fares ranging from N145,000 to N180,000, Umza Air is introducing highly competitive pricing, setting a new standard in affordability for llorin passengers while maintaining the airline’s commitment to safety, comfort, and operational excellence.”

 

Commenting on the launch, the Managing Director of Umza Aviation Services Ltd. Barr Anachuna Henry said: “We are committed to providing accessible, reliable, and comfortable air travel. Our llorin-Abuja service, combined with competitive fares, reflects our mission to improve connectivity and make travel more practical for passengers without compromising quality.”

 

On its part, United Nigeria Airlines said it would commence direct flight operations from Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, describing it as “another strategic step in our mission to unite more Nigerian cities with reliable and accessible air travel.”

 

“This expansion underscores our commitment to strengthening domestic mobility, deepening national integration, and making air travel more convenient for businesses, families, and visitors across the country,” the airline said in a statement by its spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka.

 

The statement added: “United Nigeria Airlines looks forward to serving Ilorin and making a meaningful contribution to the state’s social and economic development.

 

“With every new destination, we reaffirm our mantra of Flying to Unite—bringing Nigerians closer to opportunities, culture, and commerce.”