February 13, (THEWILL) — The Founder and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof Obiora Okonkwo, has expressed optimism that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, will address some of the challenging situations at the nation’s airports.
Prof Okonkwo, who listed the absence of transit facilities at Nigerian airports, also pointed out that extending operational time at the airports will improve the airlines’ On-Time Performance (OTP).
Speaking on Thursday in Lagos at the fifth-year celebration of UNA in Lagos, Okonkwo lamented that the absence of a transit facility at any of the international airports made it difficult for the airlines to create a hub.
He insisted that without transit facilities, it would be difficult for Nigerian airlines to fly to long hauls.
Confirming that Keyamo is on top of these challenges in a bid to fix them, the operator said, “It’s a big concern for us (airline operators) that we don’t have a primary facility. It makes it very difficult to create a hub in Nigeria. What that means is that if those things are not in place, it will be very difficult for us to achieve our aim of flying to longer regions, including continental and intercontinental destinations.
“So, we are very hopeful that the engagement we are having with the Minister of Aviation, who is very interested in this, will yield the expected result before we kick off, because we must be able to get people from other regions into Nigeria.
“So, we consider this a critical infrastructure in our airports. We are engaging, and we are getting positive results. As of the construction going on, I don’t know the details of what is contained there, but I know that this minister will address it”, Okonkwo emphasised.
The operator equally disclosed the airline’s plans to expand aggressively into regional and continental markets, with intercontinental operations scheduled to commence by summer 2026, subject to final regulatory approvals.
Marking exactly five years since its inaugural flight on February 12, 2021, from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, Prof Okonkwo described the journey as one defined by resilience, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to safety and service.
According to him, United Nigeria Airlines has, in 5 years, grown from operating four narrow-body aircraft on a single-route vision to managing a fleet of 10 aircraft connecting 16 cities across Nigeria, while recently launching its first regional destination in Accra, Ghana.
The Chairman disclosed that United Nigeria Airlines has transported millions of passengers safely, earning public trust and strengthening partnerships both locally and internationally.
A major milestone in its growth trajectory, he said, was becoming a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and achieving IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification within just two years of operations, a record timeframe that underscores its adherence to international safety standards and global best practices.
Beyond fleet and route expansion, Okonkwo highlighted its investment in human capital development, noting that its cockpit and cabin crew, engineers, dispatchers, ground staff, and interns undergo world-class training both locally and overseas.
Despite navigating industry challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, currency volatility, and operational pressures, the Chairman said each obstacle strengthened the airline’s resolve.
Central to the anniversary celebration was the unveiling of a bold five-year roadmap anchored on three strategic pillars: Excellence in Passenger Experience, Sustainable Growth and Partnerships and Impact Beyond Aviation.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
