United Nigeria Airlines Expands Domestic Operations With Flights To Sokoto & Kano States

ULOKA, CHIBUIKE 

On December 13, 2023, United Nigeria Airlines, the fastest-growing indigenous airline, achieved a significant milestone by launching inaugural flights to Sadiq Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State.

The maiden flight, operated with the airline’s Airbus A320, flew esteemed dignitaries and air travelers as its first passengers.

Among the passengers were Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Chairman of United Nigeria; Governor Ahmadu Aliyu Sokoto; Dr. Linus Awute, Director of Administration, UNA; former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; former managing director of the Anambra broadcasting service, Chief Uche Nworah, PhD; and traditional rulers, among others.

The UNA Airbus A320 departed from Abuja, landing first at Sadiq Abubakar International Airport in Sokoto. The United Nigeria team, led by the Chairman, Professor Okonkwo, paid a courtesy call to the Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, who warmly received them, showering praise and offering royal blessings. The team was later hosted to a luncheon at the State House by Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmadu Aliyu Sokoto before returning to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Following the successful flight to and from Sokoto State, passengers destined for Kano State boarded United Nigeria flight U50576. With Professor Okonkwo and his team on board, the UNA flight touched down at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 21:00 hrs. from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, marking a historic moment for United Nigeria and the people of Kano State.

As part of the inaugural flight commemoration, the Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, joined Professor Okonkwo and his team on the UNA flight back to Abuja after a courtesy visit, a warm reception, and dinner at the Emir’s Giadam Rumfa palace, in Kano State.

With the successful inaugural flights to both Sokoto and Kano States, United Nigeria Airlines now operates daily scheduled flights to Sadiq Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano. This expansion brings the domestic routes of United Nigeria Airlines to ten (10), with additional routes to be introduced in alignment with the airline’s mantra of flying to unite.