The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, a development expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa’s growing domestic aviation market.
AFRAA announced the admission in Nairobi, saying the development further expanded its membership base in Nigeria and reinforced its commitment to supporting the growth and development of African airlines.
The association said its members collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
Speaking on the development, AFRAA Secretary-General, Mr Abdérahmane Berthé, said the association was delighted to welcome Enugu Air, describing the airline as an example of home-grown investment needed to strengthen air connectivity across Africa.
“We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity. As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies,” Berthé said.
Reacting, the Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Air, Capt. Tolu Ita, described the admission as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the Association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Ita said.
Enugu Air, founded on July 7, 2025, commenced commercial operations with Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft.
The airline is headquartered in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serving six domestic destinations including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Benin City, with plans to expand further across Nigeria before launching regional and international routes across Africa, Europe and beyond.
The admission aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and adds to the association’s growing engagement with Nigeria’s aviation sector, positioning Africa’s most populous nation as central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
In June 2026, the association admitted United Nigeria Airlines as a full member, describing Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets.
Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA is the leading trade association for African airlines.
Its stated mission is to promote, serve African airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry, with a vision of a sustainable, interconnected and affordable African air transport industry where African airlines become key drivers of economic development.
