Nigeria’s United Airlines Secures Approval for US, Canada and Other International Routes

The Federal Government has approved new international routes for United Nigeria Airlines, including destinations in the United States, Canada and three other global locations, in a move aimed at expanding the airline’s international operations.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, announced that the approval forms part of efforts to strengthen Nigerian owned carriers and reduce the dominance of foreign airlines on international routes.

According to the announcement, the airline has been cleared to operate flights to major destinations such as New York, Canada and Dubai, alongside other approved routes still being finalized. The government said the decision is also intended to boost Nigeria’s share of international passenger traffic under existing bilateral aviation agreements.

Officials explained that despite Nigeria’s large travel market, foreign airlines currently carry the majority of outbound passengers, and the new approvals are aimed at reversing that imbalance by empowering local operators. The airline is expected to expand its fleet and operational capacity before fully launching the new international services.