New Airline to Commence Commercial Flights in Nigeria, Gets NCAA Approval
- The Nigerian aviation industry just welcomed a new player, as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved a new licence
- The new airline is coming with a lot of promise to serve Nigeria’s underserved routes
- The development comes as Air Peace recently secured a slot at the coveted Heathrow Airport in the UK
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Pascal Oparada, a reporter for Legit.ng, has over ten years of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has received a fresh boost as 3 Horizons Nigeria Limited secured an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), paving the way for its entry into commercial flight operations.
At a brief ceremony in Abuja, the director-general of civil aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo urged the new airline to uphold industry regulations and international best practices.
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Expanding regional access
He stressed that the NCAA would not compromise on safety or oversight, warning that regular audits would be conducted to ensure compliance.
“This certification is a significant milestone for 3 Horizons Nigeria Limited, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in our aviation sector. We expect the airline to abide strictly by global aviation standards,” Najomo said.
The Kaduna-based airline is expected to launch operations soon, with routes connecting underserved areas such as Abuja–Kaduna and destinations across Nigeria’s North-East.
According to the company’s management, the goal is to provide reliable alternatives for passengers in regions where limited connectivity has hampered growth.
According to a report by Daily Trust, the chairman of 3 Horizons Nigeria, Suleiman Sani Bello, represented by the airline’s director of operations and chief pilot, Capt. Shehu Mohammed Sani expressed gratitude to the NCAA for its support throughout the certification process, which began in 2021.
He described the approval as the culmination of years of planning and investment.
General Manager of the airline, Mohammed Kabir Mohammed, added that 3 Horizons Nigeria would prioritise efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction, while also creating jobs within the aviation value chain.
Aviation industry on the rise
The development comes at a time of renewed optimism in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Just last month, Air Peace secured a historic slot to operate direct flights from Lagos to London Heathrow Airport, a move that cements Nigeria’s presence on one of the world’s busiest routes.
Similarly, United Nigeria Airlines recently expanded its fleet by acquiring additional aircraft, signalling its ambition to deepen connectivity across West Africa.
These strides, combined with the entry of 3 Horizons Nigeria, highlight a sector that is steadily growing despite regulatory hurdles and economic headwinds.
Industry experts say the addition of new carriers is critical for boosting competition, lowering fares, and ensuring that regions outside major hubs like Lagos and Abuja also benefit from improved air access.
With a growing population and increased demand for mobility, analysts believe Nigeria’s aviation industry is poised to become one of Africa’s most dynamic markets.
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Looking ahead: What’s in it for passengers?
While challenges such as rising fuel costs, currency fluctuations, and infrastructure gaps persist, stakeholders argue that strategic investments and government support are positioning Nigerian aviation for long-term growth.
For passengers, the emergence of 3 Horizons Nigeria could mean more flight options, better connectivity to remote regions, and a stronger domestic network that complements international expansions like Air Peace’s Heathrow slot.
As Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to take bold steps forward, the launch of 3 Horizons Nigeria stands as both a milestone and a reminder of the sector’s untapped potential.
Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines release new ticket prices
Legit.ng earlier reported that the festive season has always driven airfare hikes, but this year’s rates have hit unprecedented levels.
Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines are charging N350,500 per one-way economy ticket from Lagos and Abuja to Owerri, Enugu, Anambra, Port Harcourt, and Asaba.
Both inbound and outbound trips are affected. Air Peace’s fares apply from December 1, 2025, to January 30, 2026, while United Nigeria’s yuletide pricing begins December 11 and runs through December.
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Source: Legit.ng
