United Nigeria Airlines has unveiled ambitious expansion plans across West and Central Africa, with new services to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry expected to be launched in the near term as the carrier accelerates its regional growth strategy.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Adedayo Olawuyi, disclosed the plans during a courtesy visit to the secretariat of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Olawuyi, United Nigeria Airlines, currently ranked among Nigeria’s leading domestic carriers, is positioning itself for a broader continental and international footprint, supported by recent aircraft acquisitions and additional deliveries expected in the coming months.
He revealed that the airline is also advancing its partnership initiative in Guinea-Bissau, where it plans to assist in establishing a national carrier, a move expected to strengthen its operational presence across West Africa.
Beyond the sub-region, the airline is targeting expansion into Central Africa with planned services to Douala and Libreville, while Johannesburg, South Africa, remains firmly on its radar despite recent diplomatic and social tensions.
“As you know, we have just acquired some aircraft, and we still have more on the way. Our plan is to grow within the region and also internationally. In the short term, we are looking to increase our presence in West Africa, starting with routes such as Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry”, Olawuyi said.
He added that the Guinea-Bissau project would provide another platform for fleet growth and market penetration across the region.
“In Central Africa, we are looking at Douala and Libreville, and further down, Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite the attacks, we will continue to look at South Africa because it is about more than the issues happening today; it is about trade between the two countries”, he stated.
The expansion drive also extends beyond Africa. Olawuyi disclosed that the airline is pursuing approvals and market entry plans for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Turkey, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
“We are looking at the UK, the US, Canada, Turkey, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. These are destinations we are targeting within the next six to 24 months. Of course, everything depends on aircraft deliveries, regulatory approvals and obtaining the necessary foreign carrier permits. However, we have already commenced the process for all these destinations, and for some, we are already at advanced stages”, the CCO explained.
To support its growth ambitions, the airline is exploring strategic partnerships and code-share arrangements with both local and international carriers.
Olawuyi noted that collaboration remains critical to expanding into highly competitive markets and destinations where passenger volumes may not yet justify direct operations.
“You can’t do anything by yourself. As the African proverb says, if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. That is exactly the philosophy guiding us”, he explained further.
He disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines has already initiated interline partnership discussions with several domestic and international airlines, although details will only be announced after agreements are finalised.
According to him, the airline may initially enter markets such as Canada and the United States through code-share arrangements before launching its own direct services.
He also pointed to aircraft leasing as another strategic option for accelerating fleet expansion and achieving the airline’s long-term growth objectives.
“With partnerships, code-shares and leasing opportunities, we can reach our targets much faster. Cooperation will play a major role in helping us achieve our expansion goals”, Olawuyi added.
The planned network expansion underscores United Nigeria Airlines’ determination to transform from a strong domestic operator into a major regional and international carrier, leveraging strategic alliances, fleet growth and new market opportunities across Africa and beyond.