Enugu Air has joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as its 50th member, as the Nigerian carrier prepares to expand its domestic network and later begin regional and international operations.
AFRAA announced the admission recently, noting that the membership would support the airline as it grows to meet the requirements for international operations.
Enugu Air, which is based in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, began commercial operations on July 7, 2025 with Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft.
The airline currently operates to six destinations in Nigeria, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City, according to AFRAA and its next plan is to add more Nigerian destinations before moving into regional routes and, eventually, markets in Africa, Europe and beyond.
The expansion would place Enugu Air among the Nigerian carriers seeking to increase their share of the domestic market while building the capacity to compete on routes outside the country.
Abdérahmane Berthé, the secretary general of AFRAA, said the association would support Enugu Air through the IOSA certification process and its continued growth within the association,he also described the airline as a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s domestic market and said its growth would contribute to stronger air connections within Africa.
The Enugu Air OSA certification will be important as it prepares for operations beyond Nigeria. IOSA is an internationally recognised safety audit that assesses an airline’s operational management and control systems.
Tolu Ita, CEO, Enugu Air, said the membership would allow Enugu Air to collaborate with other AFRAA members as it expands its network and works towards IOSA certification.
Enugu Air’s entry also adds to Nigeria’s presence in AFRAA. The association’s 50 members represent more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
The Nigerian aviation carrier’s planned expansion could add capacity to domestic routes and, if its international plans materialise, create additional links between Nigerian cities and destinations across the continent.
The immediate task, the airline promised, is to expand its domestic operation while completing the safety requirements needed for the next stage of its plans.
