United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has marked its fifth anniversary with an ambitious expansion blueprint that will see the carrier spread its wings to the United States, London, the United Arab Emirates, Senegal and South Africa as it transitions from a domestic operator to a global contender.
At a press conference themed “From Vision To Velocity – Five Years of United Growth: Charting the Next Frontiers,” the Airline’s Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, unveiled what he described as the company’s most aggressive growth phase since its inaugural flight on February 12, 2021.
From operating a single Lagos–Enugu route with four aircraft at take-off, United Nigeria Airlines has grown into a 16-city domestic network powered by a fleet of 10 aircraft, while recently extending operations into the regional market with flights to Accra, Ghana.
Over the past five years, the airline says it has transported millions of passengers, secured membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and attained the globally recognised International Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification within two years of operations.
Reflecting on the journey, Okonkwo described the airline’s rise as one anchored on resilience, disciplined execution and strategic ambition despite navigating industry headwinds such as the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure constraints, regulatory complexities and foreign exchange volatility.
Fleet Expansion to Power Long-Haul Operations
To support its international ambitions, the airline has embarked on a significant fleet modernisation and expansion programme.
Okonkwo disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines has acquired six Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft from US-based Southwest Airlines, with deliveries scheduled to commence from March 2026.
Negotiations are also being finalised for an additional three aircraft of the same type, all expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
In addition, the airline has leased two Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft from Anka Aviation of Turkey to drive its long-haul operations. The first A330-200 is scheduled for delivery on July 26, while the second will arrive in October.
“We are starting some regional and international routes by the end of the second quarter of this year. One of the A330-200 aircraft will be delivered to us by July 26, the second will come in by October, and by the end of the second quarter, we will fly direct to New York”, Okonkwo announced.
Altogether, the airline has placed orders for 11 aircraft, including two A330-200s and multiple 737-800s, as part of a structured growth plan extending beyond 2026.
New Routes Across Africa, Europe, Middle East and America
United Nigeria Airlines plans to roll out at least six new regional and continental routes on or before the second quarter of 2026. Proposed destinations include Dakar (Senegal), Monrovia (Liberia), and Johannesburg (South Africa), among others.
The airline also revealed that plans are in advanced stages to commence international operations to key global hubs by summer 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Target destinations include Dubai and Jeddah in the Gulf region, Rome in Europe, as well as New York and the United Kingdom.
With its recent entry into the Ghanaian market, UNA said it is consolidating its West African footprint while positioning itself for transcontinental connectivity linking Africa to Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Five-Year Vision: From National Carrier to Continental Powerhouse
Looking ahead, Okonkwo outlined a five-year roadmap aimed at transforming United Nigeria Airlines from a leading national carrier into a recognised continental aviation powerhouse with strategic regional, continental and intercontinental routes.
“Our ambition is clear”, he said. “We are building an airline that connects Nigeria to the world efficiently, safely and competitively. The next five years will define United Nigeria Airlines as a major player not just domestically, but across Africa and beyond”.
As it celebrates five years of operations, the airline appears poised to move from steady domestic consolidation to bold international expansion — a shift that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s aviation landscape if successfully executed.