New Nigeria-based airline to start flights to Accra in September

A new Nigerian-based airline is all set to start flights to Accra, Ghana in September, after satisfying all regulatory requirements.

With its flight schedule approved by Ghana’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Akwa Ibom State Government-owned Ibom Air’s inaugural flight is slated for September, AviationGhana sources close to the airline have confirmed.

The venturing of the airline, which currently services five destinations in Nigeria from its hub in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, into the regional market is in response to demand on the Accra-Lagos, and Accra-Abuja routes.

The entry of the two new Nigerian-based airlines is expected to further increase the regional passenger throughput this year. Nigeria will then have three of its main airlines servicing Accra, Ghana. Ibom Air’s fleet is made up of two Airbus A220-300s and five Bombardier CRJ900, with 10 more on order.

Africa World Airlines (AWA) remains the only Ghanaian registered airline designated to operate commercial flights into Nigeria. AWA currently operates scheduled flights from its base in Accra to Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale. For regional flights, it services the Accra-Lagos-Accra and Accra-Abuja-Accra routes

Captain Musa Nuhu, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), in an earlier interview with AviationGhana, noted that the commencement of flights to Accra, Ghana by these airlines will help deepen air connectivity in a sub-region known for its limited air connectivity.

“Generally, West Africa has one of the poorly connected regions of the world and one of the most expensive. If you are traveling from one country to the other, it can take you more than 12 or 15 hours. Sometimes, one has to fly to Europe and come back to a particular destination in West Africa,” he said.