Nigeria’s aviation industry has grown from humble beginnings in small hangars to modern terminals buzzing with passengers, evolving into a critical driver of the nation’s economic and infrastructural development.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that Nigeria’s air transport industry adds $2.5 billion annually to GDP and sustains roughly 217,000 jobs, highlighting its role as a major employment and growth engine.

Today, Nigeria is home to 10 domestic passenger airlines. Its skies tell a story of ambition and innovation, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that has long shaped the country’s business landscape.

The domestic airline seat capacity rose by six per cent year-on-year, increasing from 642,717 seats in October 2024 to 681,204 seats in October 2025, making Nigeria Africa’s second-largest domestic aviation market, just behind South Africa.

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For decades, Nigeria’s aviation landscape has been shaped not only by pilots and cabin crews. Behind the statistics and busy airports are the visionaries who invest heavily to keep the industry moving. Entrepreneurs and promoters who build fleets, open new routes, and design customer experiences that push local airlines onto the global stage.

Here are the founders of 10 leading Nigerian passenger airlines: 

Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide – Founder, Arik Air 

Arik Air was established in 2004 by Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, a Nigerian engineer, entrepreneur, and investor with extensive interests in aviation, engineering, and agriculture.

A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1973), Sir Arumemi-Ikhide built his early career through Rockson Engineering Company Limited, which he founded in 1999. The company became one of Nigeria’s leading engineering firms, employing hundreds of engineers and technicians and managing assets valued at over $300 million.

Following the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, Arumemi-Ikhide identified a gap in the country’s aviation sector and founded Arik Air in 2004, officially launching operations in October 2006. His goal was to create a world-class Nigerian carrier capable of operating domestic, regional, and international routes.

Under his leadership, Arik Air grew rapidly, becoming one of Nigeria’s largest commercial airlines with a fleet of about 28 aircraft and routes across Nigeria, 12 West and Central African countries, as well as intercontinental destinations including London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Johannesburg.

Sir Arumemi-Ikhide’s leadership was credited with redefining air travel standards in West Africa, earning him multiple honors, including the national title of Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

However, the airline later faced severe financial challenges. In 2017, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over its management due to mounting debts, marking a significant shift in control. Despite these setbacks, Arik Air remains one of Nigeria’s most recognized carriers, with its legacy tied to the vision and ambition of its founder.

Allen Onyema -Founder, Air Peace 

Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, the founder of Air Peace, was born in 1964 in Benin City, Edo State, and grew up as the first of nine children. He studied in different schools across Midwestern Nigeria before going to the University of Ibadan to study law. After graduating in 1987 and becoming a lawyer in 1989, Onyema moved to Lagos with very little money, staying with a friend in Oshodi while trying to start his law career.

He soon discovered opportunities in real estate, selling land in Alagbado and later Lekki. This business grew fast, and he started his own companies to handle real estate and trade, making money while also helping others start their own businesses. But Onyema wanted to do something bigger, something that could create more jobs.

In 2013, he started Air Peace. He first bought small planes for charter flights but soon realized he needed bigger planes to make a real impact. He invested in seven Boeing 737s, giving jobs to hundreds and connecting people across Nigeria and West Africa.

Today, Air Peace is the largest indigenous airline in the region, showing Onyema’s determination, vision, and commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Capt. Edward Boyo – Founder, Overland Airways 

Capt. Edward Boyo is the founder and CEO of Overland Airways, a scheduled commercial and charter airline based in Lagos. He also established Landover Company Limited, providing specialised aviation services across West Africa, and has been a driving force in professional aviation training through the Landover Aviation Business School and the International Aviation College in Ilorin.

He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and has over 30 years of hands-on experience in aviation.

Overland Airways operates domestic flights connecting cities like Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Ilorin, Akure, Dutse, Minna, Bauchi, Asaba, and Jalingo. Under Capt. Boyo’s leadership, the airline has grown steadily while maintaining a focus on operational safety, reliability, and service quality.

Beyond running an airline, Capt. Boyo has been a pioneer in aviation development in Africa. He founded the Aviation & Allied Business Africa Journal, organises the annual Aviation & Allied Business Leadership Conference, and has facilitated professional training for pilots and entrepreneurs across the continent.

A licensed pilot with an Airline Transport Pilot License and a U.S. FAA Flight Engineering License, Capt. Boyo combines technical expertise with business acumen.

George Uriesi- Acting MD / CEO Ibom Air (founded by government) 

Ibom Air, established in 2019, is wholly owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The airline was created under the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

At the helm is George Uriesi, the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, whose 34-year career in aviation spans airline operations, airport management, and both safety and economic regulation.

Uriesi began his journey as a Flight Dispatcher with ADC Airlines in Nigeria and later worked across Africa in key leadership roles, including General Manager of Cape Town International Airport, General Manager of Aviation Safety Promotion at the South African Civil Aviation Authority, and Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

He has also served on industry boards internationally, such as the International Air Services Council of South Africa, the Economic Regulating Committee for Airports and Air Traffic Control of South Africa, and as Chairman of Cape Town Routes Unlimited. His work in these roles reflects deep expertise in strategic aviation management and industry regulation.

A recipient of Nigeria’s National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), Uriesi holds a BA (Hons) from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, and multiple executive and professional certifications from institutions including the University of Southern California, Concordia University, Canfield University, the University of Cape Town Business School, and the Singapore Aviation Academy.

Uriesi played a pivotal role in Ibom Air’s creation, contributing to its business plan and operational foundations. Before assuming his current role as Acting MD/CEO, he served as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, guiding the airline through its formative years.

The airline’s board includes seasoned professionals such as Chairman Mfon Udom, aviation veteran; Dr. Emmanuel E. Ekuwem, engineering and ICT expert; Uko Udom, SAN, legal and aviation law specialist; and Hon. Emem Almond Bob, Commissioner for Finance.

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo – Founder, United Nigeria Airlines 

Prof. Obiora Okonkwo is the founder and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, a fully Nigerian-owned airline that provides domestic air services across key cities. The airline, established in 2020, emerged from Okonkwo’s unique blend of entrepreneurship, public service, and academic excellence, and has quickly made its mark in the country’s aviation sector.

Recently, it finalized a landmark deal at Southwest Airlines’ headquarters in Dallas to acquire six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to expand its fleet and access international markets under the Bilateral Aviation Service Agreement (BASA).

Born and raised in Onitsha, Anambra State, Okonkwo combined early business experience at his father’s market shop with a strong commitment to education. He pursued higher studies in Russia, earning a PhD in Political Science from the Russian Academy of Science, along with degrees in Economics and Management from the Russian Peoples’ Friendship University. His international exposure shaped both his business acumen and his understanding of national development, civil society, and strategic planning.

Okonkwo’s path to aviation was unconventional. Originally involved in security and service initiatives, he was approached to invest in a civil aviation project for troop movements. Challenges with equipment delays and changing leadership led him to take full control of the company, transforming it into a commercial airline

Beyond aviation, Okonkwo is a recognized thought leader and philanthropist. He has delivered lectures on entrepreneurship, leadership, and governance, and received awards including the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2022.

Engr. Siegfried Genz – Founder, Dornier Aviation Nigeria

Engr. Siegfried Genz, a German-born aircraft engineer, is the founder and chief executive of Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP Limited, one of Nigeria’s oldest private charter and maintenance aviation companies.

Genz, studied aircraft engineering in Munich, began his career at Dornier GmbH, a German aircraft manufacturer known for producing high-performance military aircraft.

His experience working closely with the Nigerian Air Force and providing aviation solutions led him to establish the Aeronautical Industrial and Engineering Project (AIEP) in the 1970s, which later evolved into Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP Limited (DANA).

Founded in 1979, Dornier Aviation Nigeria operates from the Old Kaduna Airport and offers a range of aviation services, including private aircraft charter, maintenance, aerial photography, agricultural flying, and emergency medical evacuation. The company holds several key certifications, such as the Nigerian Air Transport License (ATL), Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Approved Training Organization (ATO), and Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO).

The company was initially incorporated as a joint venture under the Nigerian Companies Decree of 1968, with 60% foreign and 40% Nigerian ownership. It was created to promote aviation technology transfer, create local job opportunities, and support Nigeria’s growing aviation maintenance sector.

The airline met the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s recapitalization requirements in 2007 and continues to operate as a compliant, safety-driven carrier. With over four decades of experience, Dornier Aviation Nigeria AIEP remains a trusted name in Nigeria’s private aviation sector.

Kunle Soname – Founder ValueJet 

Kunle Soname, the founder of Value Jet, is a Nigerian entrepreneur with extensive experience in building and managing businesses across multiple sectors worldwide. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles, launched several companies, and acquired stakes in international ventures.

Aside from founding the airline, he is known for founding Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s top betting platforms. His love for football led him to make history in 2015 as the first Nigerian to own a European football club, C.D. Feirense.

A graduate in Estate Management from Obafemi Awolowo University, Soname also served as Executive Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council until 2011. His passion for the game started earlier when he established Remo Stars Football Club in 2004, which later moved to Ogun State and now plays in the Nigerian Premier League.

In 2018, Soname turned his focus to aviation, launching ValueJet. The airline began operations in 2022 and now connects major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yola. With a fleet of Bombardier CRJ900 jets, ValueJet aims to make domestic flights safe, reliable, and affordable.

Beyond business, Soname is active in philanthropy and community development. In 2022, he was recognized as a patron at the University of Lagos, highlighting his contributions to education and social causes. Through sports, business, and aviation, Kunle Soname has built a career defined by vision, innovation, and a drive to create opportunities for Nigerians.

Babawande Afolabi – Founder Green Africa Airways 

Babawande Afolabi is the founder and CEO of Green Africa Airways, a Lagos-based airline. Despite launching amid the global COVID-19 disruption, Afolabi has positioned Green Africa as a modern, competitive player in the Nigerian aviation sector.

Born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, in 1983, Afolabi earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2010, where he served as student body president. He later obtained an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2014, equipping him with a global perspective on business and entrepreneurship.

Afolabi’s career began in finance and aviation, with stints at Morgan Stanley and American Airlines, before he started laying the groundwork for a Nigerian value airline through The Green White Group.

In 2016, he formally launched Green Africa Airways, and the airline later made headlines in 2018 when it signed a historic $11.7 billion deal with Boeing for up to 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the largest aircraft order ever by an African airline. Green Africa commenced operations in 2021 with leased ATR 72-600s, positioning itself as a major player in the Nigerian airline industry.

Beyond aviation, Afolabi is the founder of Teatime Capital, a venture capital initiative supporting ultra-small Nigerian businesses, providing microloans and investment opportunities to underserved entrepreneurs a reflection of his commitment to empowering the most vulnerable segments of the economy.

Dahiru  Mangal – Founder, Max Air 

Dahiru Mangal is the visionary behind Max Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines connecting domestic, regional, and international destinations.

Originally launched as Mangal Airlines in 2006 and rebranded to Max Air in 2008, the airline has grown from just two Boeing 747-400 aircraft serving three destinations to a major player in West African aviation. Mangal continues to serve as Chairman and CEO, overseeing daily operations and the airline’s strategic growth.

Before aviation, Mangal’s journey began humbly in Katsina, where he was born on August 3, 1957. He completed his early education at Gafai Primary School and earned his Higher Islamic Certificate from Katsina Arabic Teachers College in 1976.

Mangal started his career as a truck driver, gradually moving into car hire and other business ventures. His ability to recognize opportunities and forge strategic partnerships helped him grow a diversified business empire across transportation, oil and gas, construction, and textiles. He serves as Chairman and CEO of Katsina Dyeing and Printing Textiles Limited and has held leadership roles in other companies such as Mangal Oil and Manasawa Enterprises.

Beyond business, Mangal has made significant philanthropic contributions, supporting students, people with disabilities, and internally displaced persons.

In 2021, his company, Mangal Industries, signed an agreement with Sinoma, a Chinese firm, to build a cement plant and a power plant in Kogi State, a $600 million project aimed at creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Alhaji Muhammadu Dankabo- Founder, Kabo Air 

Kabo Air was founded in February 1980 by Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, with operations commencing in April 1981.

The airline initially focused on charter services for corporate clients, executives, and government officials, rather than offering mass scheduled flights. Today, Kabo Air operates Hajj charter services to Saudi Arabia on behalf of the National Hajj Commission and runs scheduled regional routes across Africa and the Middle East. It also provides long-term aircraft leasing solutions.

Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo, popularly known as “Dan Kabo,” was a pioneering Nigerian entrepreneur and a key figure in the country’s aviation industry. Born in April 1942 in the Kabo district of Kano State, he began his career with Nigeria Airways, where he steadily rose through the ranks before venturing into private aviation.

In founding Kabo Air, Dankabo established one of Nigeria’s earliest private airlines, headquartered in Kano. Under his leadership, the airline became a major player in charter and pilgrimage operations, serving both local and international markets.

Beyond aviation, Dankabo was widely respected for his humility, philanthropy, and dedication to community development. He held traditional titles and contributed actively to social and economic growth in Kano State.

Alhaji Muhammadu Adamu Dankabo passed away on April 4, 2002, at the age of 60, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s aviation history.

Other airlines

Aero Contractors 

Aero Contractors is one of Nigeria’s oldest passenger airlines. It was founded in 1959 by the Dutch company Schreiner Airways B.V. and officially registered in Nigeria in 1960. Over time, ownership passed to Nigerian interests, most notably the Ibru family, which by 2010 had become the sole owner. Later, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) took over the airline in 2016 amid financial distress. AMCON currently manages operations.

In July 2025, the airline’s Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, confirmed that the company had repaid all the loans it secured from AMCON in 2017 and 2022, though older debts predating 2017 remain outstanding.

Dana Air 

Dana Air is also one of Nigeria’s domestic carriers. It was founded in 2006 by Jacky Hathiramani and operates under the Dana Group. In April 2024, Dana Air came under regulatory scrutiny after one of its aircraft veered off the Lagos airport runway while arriving from Abuja with 83 passengers on board.

All passengers and crew disembarked unhurt, but the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended the airline’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) as a precautionary measure to allow for a comprehensive safety and financial audit.

The NCAA explained that the audit would review the airline’s operational systems, maintenance procedures, and financial health to assess its capacity to maintain safe operations.