United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has announced a major milestone in its international expansion strategy: the airline will begin direct flights from Lagos to New York by the end of the second quarter of 2026, marking its first scheduled service between Nigeria and the United States. 🇳🇬✈️🇺🇸
The announcement was made during the airline’s fifth‑anniversary celebration in Lagos, where UNA’s leadership highlighted strong growth since its launch — including transporting over 2.5 million passengers and expanding its route network.
Why This Matters
Launching a non‑stop route between Lagos and New York is a major achievement for a Nigerian carrier, especially given that no Nigerian airline has operated a direct U.S. service in recent years. The new service is expected to:
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Connect West Africa and the U.S. more directly, improving travel options for business, tourism, and diaspora travel.
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Enhance Nigeria’s aviation profile on the global stage, especially as airlines expand their transcontinental networks.
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Provide competition on the Lagos‑New York market, which has historically been served by major global carriers.
Aircraft and Fleet Plans
To support the route, UNA has placed orders for 11 new aircraft, including two Airbus A330‑200 wide‑body jets — ideal for long‑haul international operations — and six Boeing 737‑800 aircraft for expanded domestic and regional service.
One of the A330‑200 aircraft is expected to be delivered by July 2026, with the second arriving later in the year. Once in place, United Nigeria Airlines plans to use these jets for the Lagos–New York service and other emerging international routes.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the New York route, UNA plans to start regional and continental services to other destinations by the same period, expanding connectivity within Africa and beyond.
This announcement not only celebrates UNA’s five years of growth but also signals a new era of international connectivity for Nigerian aviation — offering travellers more options to reach major global hubs directly from Lagos.