United Nigeria Airlines has concluded arrangements to resume scheduled flights from Lagos and Abuja to Osubi Airport, Warri, on Monday, August 25, 2025, in a move that underscores its strategy to consolidate its footprint in Nigeria’s competitive air transport sector.
The airline, which began operations in 2021, said the decision to return to Warri was driven by demand from both business and leisure travelers, as well as the strategic importance of Delta State in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South region.
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the airline, Osita Okonkwo, said the relaunch of the Warri service was part of United Nigeria’s commitment to provide seamless and dependable air travel options.
“Warri is a key destination for us, and we are excited to return with the dependable service our passengers trust,” Okonkwo noted.
Expansion Plan and New Routes
Beyond Warri, United Nigeria Airlines is pursuing a route expansion plan that will strengthen both its domestic and regional connectivity. The airline announced that it will:
- Launch direct flights from Lagos and Abuja to Ilorin
- Open Abuja–Sokoto flights
- Commence Lagos and Abuja–Accra, Ghana services from October 17, 2025
According to the airline, the expansion reflects its intention to play a stronger role in linking Nigeria’s commercial hubs with underserved cities while also positioning itself as a regional player within West Africa.
Okonkwo said more routes would be unveiled in phases, as the airline continues to grow its fleet and expand its operations.
Industry Context
The Nigerian aviation sector has witnessed intense competition in recent years, with carriers such as Air Peace, Ibom Air, Green Africa Airways, and Dana Air competing aggressively on both major and secondary routes. The re-entry of United Nigeria Airlines into Warri adds to the revitalization of Osubi Airport, which has seen increased traffic following improved regulatory approvals and renewed investment in infrastructure.
Industry analysts note that United Nigeria’s planned entry into Accra, Ghana marks a significant step towards regional integration, as West African routes remain a major growth target for Nigerian carriers. Accra, with its busy Kotoka International Airport, serves as a major hub for business and trade in the sub-region.
Impact on Passengers and Economy
For travelers, the resumption of flights into Warri will ease connectivity challenges, particularly for business executives in the oil and gas sector, who have long sought reliable links between Delta State and Lagos or Abuja.
Economically, the airline’s expansion is expected to boost trade, tourism, and investment flows, while also creating indirect jobs in hospitality, logistics, and airport services.
Observers say that as more Nigerian airlines extend operations into regional markets, the country could strengthen its dominance in West Africa’s aviation industry, provided issues of high operational costs, forex scarcity, and aviation fuel pricing are addressed.
Looking Ahead
With Warri resuming on August 25 and new routes, including Accra, rolling out before the end of the year, United Nigeria Airlines is positioning itself as both a reliable domestic carrier and an emerging regional competitor.
Whether the airline can sustain this momentum in Nigeria’s turbulent aviation environment will depend on fleet expansion, operational efficiency, and passenger loyalty.
