Enugu Air has been admitted into the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), becoming the 50th airline to join the continental aviation body.
The admission, announced by AFRAA in Nairobi on Wednesday, further expands the association’s presence in Nigeria and highlights the growing role of domestic carriers in Africa’s aviation industry.
AFRAA said its member airlines collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African airlines.
AFRAA Welcomes Enugu Air
AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé, welcomed the Nigerian carrier, describing its entry as an important development for the continent’s aviation sector.
Berthé said Enugu Air’s position as a state-backed airline operating within Nigeria’s expanding domestic market represents the type of local investment needed to strengthen air connectivity across Africa.
He added that AFRAA would support the airline as it works towards obtaining International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.
Enugu Air CEO, Capt. Tolu Ita, also described the development as a significant achievement for the relatively young airline.
Ita said the membership reflects the airline’s focus on providing safe, dependable and affordable air transportation while contributing to efforts to create a more integrated African aviation market.
He added that the airline would work with other AFRAA members and take advantage of the association’s support as it expands its route network and pursues IOSA certification.
Enugu Air’s Expansion Plans
Enugu Air was established on July 7, 2025, and began commercial operations with Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft.
The airline is headquartered in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport.
It currently connects several Nigerian cities, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City, with operations covering nine domestic destinations.
The airline plans to increase its presence across Nigeria before moving into regional and international markets.
Its longer-term expansion plans include launching routes connecting Nigeria with other African countries as well as destinations in Europe and beyond.
Nigeria’s Role in African Aviation
AFRAA said Enugu Air’s admission supports its broader objective of strengthening cooperation among African airlines and developing a more integrated continental aviation network.
Nigeria remains a key market because of its large population and expanding economy, making the country an important part of efforts to improve connectivity and strengthen African carriers.
AFRAA was established in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
The association works to promote the interests of African airlines and support the growth of the continent’s aviation industry.
Its vision is for a sustainable, affordable and interconnected African air transport sector in which local airlines play a major role in driving economic development.
With Enugu Air now among its members, AFRAA's membership includes major airlines from across the continent, representing more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African carriers.