UMZA Air begins Abuja–Ilorin flights with low fares

UMZA Air on Sunday commenced commercial flights on the Abuja–Ilorin route with what the airline described as permanently cheaper airfares for travellers using the Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin.

The Managing Director/Accountable Manager of UMZA Aviation Services Limited, Mr Anachuna Henry, told The PUNCH that the airline deliberately pegged its ticket prices between N145,000 and N180,000, insisting that the rates are “almost 60 per cent cheaper” than what passengers currently pay on the route.

Henry explained that the low pricing was not a promotional launch offer but a long-term fare structure aimed at reducing the financial burden on domestic travellers, especially those from the North Central region who have been confronted with rising airfares nationwide.

“These are not promotional tickets. This is our permanent fare structure,” he said. “We decided on low fares because that is who we are as an airline. Our pricing is almost 60 per cent lower than the current market rate for Ilorin.”

The UMZA boss disclosed that ticket sales, which opened on Monday, have already witnessed a surge in bookings, attributing the response to passengers’ desire for cheaper alternatives. “The goodwill has been massive. People are buying because they see the difference,” he added.

He noted that the maiden flight would depart Abuja at 5 pm on Sunday, making Ilorin the latest addition to UMZA’s expanding network, which currently includes Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Kebbi, Maiduguri, and Lagos. He confirmed that the airline will deploy a G-400 XR turboprop aircraft, described as one of the safest and most reliable in civil aviation.

“Our Ilorin station is fully ready — staff, equipment, office, logistics, everything,” Henry said, adding that the airline had met all regulatory requirements of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Transport analysts say UMZA’s entry into the Ilorin market could provide much-needed relief to travellers from Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and parts of Niger State, many of whom rely on a single dominant operator charging significantly higher fares. The new pricing, experts believe, may break the monopoly and compel other airlines to review their ticket costs.

With complaints over skyrocketing airfares on the Abuja–Ilorin corridor, UMZA’s low-cost model is expected to offer passengers a cheaper, more stable option without compromising safety or service.