In a major boost to Nigeria’s aviation industry, United Nigeria Airlines has unveiled plans to launch regional and international flights to six countries, including the United Kingdom and United States, beginning with a new Accra, Ghana route scheduled to commence on August 25, 2025.
The development positions United Nigeria as a rising competitor on the global aviation stage, following closely behind Air Peace, which has just secured a coveted landing slot at London Heathrow Airport, making it the first Nigerian carrier in recent times to break into the UK’s premier international aviation hub.
According to a statement released to Legit.ng, United Nigeria Airlines is gearing up to go global with destinations in the UK, US, United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, and Senegal, once it secures final regulatory approvals and receives delivery of newly acquired aircraft.
“We are awaiting the delivery of our acquired aircraft to launch these operations and more,” the airline stated. The move aligns with its broader ambition to deepen market reach and connect Nigeria with key international and regional destinations.
To enable global booking access, the airline has signed a distribution agreement with Sabre, a global travel technology company. This means United Nigeria’s flight inventory and fares will now be accessible to over 425,000 travel agents worldwide via the Sabre marketplace.
The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Osita Okonkwo, described the partnership as a “game-changer,” saying it positions the airline for massive growth.
“For the first time, our products are available in a global marketplace. This is an important milestone in helping us expand our brand and connect with international passengers,” Okonkwo said.
Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President of Airline Distribution at Sabre for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, echoed this sentiment, adding: “We’re committed to helping airlines scale efficiently and serve travellers better. This partnership will boost United Nigeria’s visibility and open new revenue streams.”
Meanwhile, Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private airline, has announced that it has secured a landing slot at Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest and most strategic aviation hub. According to Chairman Allen Onyema, direct flights from Abuja to Heathrow will begin on October 26, 2025.
The achievement follows diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the UK. Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, had warned that the country would restrict British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operations if the UK continued denying Air Peace a Heathrow slot, contrary to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).
Although UK authorities claimed Air Peace submitted its slot request late for the 2024–2025 seasons, the issue has sparked calls for fairer treatment of African carriers.
Air Peace previously launched flights to London Gatwick in 2024 and recently became the first Nigerian airline to land in St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, as part of a Pan-African business conference delegation. The airline used its Boeing 777 aircraft, marking a major leap in its intercontinental ambitions.
With United Nigeria now joining the global stage and Air Peace breaking into prime international routes, Nigerian aviation is experiencing a revival. The moves underscore a new era of competitiveness, brand credibility, and ambition among domestic carriers.
United Nigeria Airlines has also announced plans to expand domestic routes, including to Jos, Maiduguri, and Bauchi, further cementing its role in boosting national air connectivity. Industry watchers believe the carrier’s international ambition, backed by the Sabre distribution deal, may pave the way for code-sharing agreements, international partnerships, and foreign investments.
For Nigerian travellers, this means more options, competitive fares, and increased global access, even as airlines brace for higher operational costs linked to jet fuel prices and aircraft leasing challenges.