Company Profile: United Nigeria Airlines
United Nigeria Airlines Limited, operating as United Nigeria Airlines (IATA: U5, ICAO: UNA), is a private Nigerian airline headquartered in Enugu, with an additional office in Abuja. Its primary operations base is Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The airline provides commercial air transportation services, focusing on domestic routes within Nigeria, with plans for regional and international expansion. United Nigeria Airlines emphasizes exceptional customer service, innovation, and advanced technology to deliver a rewarding flight experience. It currently operates scheduled flights to 10 Nigerian cities: Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Bayelsa, Sokoto, Kano, and Benin, with the capacity for regional and charter operations. The airline’s vision is to be a leader in the aviation sector by providing high-quality services that exceed customer expectations and to build a strong reputation globally.
Brief History
United Nigeria Airlines was established in 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of United Nigeria Airlines Limited, a Nigerian company incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. It is affiliated with Obiorah Okonkwo, a Russian-trained political scientist, businessman, and entrepreneur. The airline acquired four 50-seater Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft in the second half of 2020. After rigorous evaluation by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), including test flights, it received its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) on February 1, 2021, valid until January 31, 2023. The airline commenced operations on February 12, 2021, with its inaugural flight from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, achieving a 100% passenger load factor.
In September 2025, United Nigeria Airlines announced a significant fleet expansion by signing an agreement with Southwest Airlines to acquire six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with an option for four more, increasing its fleet from five to potentially 15 aircraft. This deal aims to enhance the airline’s domestic, regional, and international operations, leveraging the Boeing 737-800’s fuel efficiency and passenger comfort features, such as wider seats and larger overhead bins. The acquisition was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings and marks a collaboration with Southwest Airlines, a prominent operator of the Boeing 737NG family.
Incidents
The airline has faced some operational challenges. On November 17, 2021, an Embraer 145 experienced two loud explosions and an engine flameout after departing Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The crew safely returned to Abuja on a single engine, but the flight data recorder was found to be disabled, hindering the investigation. On September 8, 2023, an aircraft overshot the runway by 20 meters at Lagos airport after a flight from Owerri, with no casualties reported. On November 26, 2023, Flight UN504 from Lagos to Abuja mistakenly landed at Asaba International Airport.
Current Operations
As of February 2025, United Nigeria Airlines operates a fleet primarily consisting of Embraer ERJ-145LR aircraft, with the recent addition of Boeing 737-800s. The airline offers Economy Class with three fare tiers—Promo, Saver, and Flex—providing varying levels of flexibility. Baggage allowances include 20kg or 40kg of checked luggage depending on the fare, with carry-on limits of 6kg for Economy and 10kg for Business (though Business Class is not officially offered). Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, closing one hour prior. The airline is committed to safety, comfort, and uniting passengers with their destinations, as reflected in its slogan, “Flying to Unite.”
