Nigerian travellers are rushing to book tickets as a new domestic carrier, UMZA Air, commenced commercial flights on the Abuja to Ilorin route with a bold promise of permanently reduced airfares. The airline announced that its one-way ticket prices are set between N145,000 and N180,000, a figure it claims is approximately 60% cheaper than the current market rate for the route.
A Long-Term Strategy, Not a Promo
The Managing Director and Accountable Manager of UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Anachuna Henry, emphasised that the aggressive pricing is a core part of the airline's long-term business model and not a short-term promotional gimmick. He stated that the move is deliberately aimed at easing the financial pressure on domestic travellers, particularly those from the North Central region who have been grappling with soaring air travel costs.
"These are not promotional tickets. This is our permanent fare structure," Henry asserted. He revealed that ticket sales, which opened on Monday, December 1, 2025, witnessed an immediate surge in bookings, indicating a pent-up demand for affordable air travel options. "The goodwill has been massive. People are buying because they see the difference," he added.
Operational Details and Market Impact
The inaugural flight was scheduled to depart from Abuja at 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2025, marking Ilorin's addition to UMZA's network. The airline is utilising a G-400 XR turboprop aircraft for the route, described by Henry as one of the safest and most reliable in civil aviation. He confirmed that the Ilorin station at the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport is fully operational with all necessary staff, equipment, and logistics, having met all regulatory requirements from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Aviation analysts suggest that UMZA's entry into the Ilorin market could be a game-changer, potentially breaking the existing fare monopoly on the route. This development is expected to offer much-needed relief to passengers not only from Kwara State but also from neighbouring states like Kogi, Ekiti, and parts of Niger State, who frequently use the Abuja-Ilorin connection.
Broader Context in Nigerian Aviation
The launch comes at a time when the cost of air travel in Nigeria has been a significant concern for citizens. UMZA's strategy of embedding low fares into its permanent structure challenges the industry's status quo. The airline's existing network already includes major cities like Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Kebbi, Maiduguri, and Lagos.
This move towards more competitive pricing could pressure other operators on similar regional routes to reconsider their fare models, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian flying public with more choices and stable, affordable travel options.
