Traveling by air in Nigeria shouldn’t feel like you’re gambling with your time, peace of mind, or even your safety. Unfortunately, many Nigerians have had their fair share of flight delays, last-minute cancellations, unresponsive customer care, and worst of all—those mysteriously vanished refunds. If you've ever had to explain to your boss that your “flight just disappeared,” or sat at an airport for five hours eating meat pie and Fanta because the plane never showed up—you’re not alone.

But despite all the stress stories, there are actually a few airlines operating in Nigeria that have proven to be dependable. Airlines that don’t just take your money and ghost you. Airlines that give you a smooth check-in, decent legroom, and get you to your destination without drama. If you’ve been looking for flights that are more reliable than the Nigerian electricity grid, this guide is for you.

Let’s talk about the best airlines to book in Nigeria right now.

1. Ibom Air 

Ibom Air has quickly become the crown jewel of domestic travel in Nigeria. Owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government, it might be state-backed, but don’t let that fool you—it operates like a private, customer-obsessed airline.

From Lagos to Abuja, Uyo, Enugu, Calabar, and Port Harcourt, Ibom Air delivers consistently.

Why people love it:

• They’re incredibly punctual. Most passengers report flights leaving and landing on time—something rare in the Nigerian aviation space.

• Their planes are modern and clean, with comfortable interiors and well-dressed, polite crew members.

• Their customer service is responsive, and their app and booking website actually work smoothly.

For many Nigerians, flying Ibom Air feels like finally being treated with dignity. It may not be the cheapest, but it’s the one you book when you want peace of mind. When Nigerians say, “I don’t mind the price, I just want peace of mind,” you know Ibom Air is doing something right.

2. Dana Air 

Dana Air has had its fair share of rocky headlines in the past, but in recent times, they've cleaned up their act and slowly rebuilt trust. While they may not have the flash of Ibom Air, they’ve grown into a relatively dependable option for flights between Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Uyo.

Their tickets are usually affordable, and they often have multiple daily flights. Just ensure you confirm your booking via their customer service and show up early. In short—Dana won’t promise you fireworks, but if you just need to get from point A to B without drama, they’ve earned their spot back on this list.

3. Green Africa Airways 

Green Africa is Nigeria’s first true low-cost airline, and if you’re traveling on a tight budget, they can be a solid choice. But, there’s a catch. Their pricing structure is like a budget hotel: very affordable upfront, but you have to pay extra for luggage, seats, and snacks.

Also, their flight times can shift, and they don’t operate as frequently as the more established carriers. So if you’re booking with Green Africa, be flexible and book in advance. Their Lagos to Abuja or Lagos to Owerri flights are especially popular.

4. United Nigeria Airlines 

United Nigeria Airlines is a newer airline that has been steadily growing since launch. Unlike the older players trying to fix bad reputations, UNA is starting with a clean slate, and they’re working hard to keep it that way.

They fly routes including Lagos, Enugu, Abuja, Asaba, Port Harcourt, and Owerri, and while their fleet isn’t massive, they’re focusing on smooth service, decent turnaround times, and clean aircraft.

Their online booking system is fairly easy to use, and their check-in process is much better than expected for a newer airline.

People who’ve flown with UNA describe them as "refreshingly stress-free." That’s a big compliment in Nigerian aviation..

5. Air Peace 

Now, let’s talk about Air Peace.

Air Peace is the biggest airline in Nigeria. They have the largest domestic network, the most planes, and they even fly internationally to destinations like South Africa, India, the UAE, and recently, London.

But size comes with baggage.

Air Peace is infamous for flight delays and sudden reschedules. Many Nigerians have a love-hate relationship with them: you love them for their reach, but you never quite trust that your flight will happen on time.

That said, Air Peace remains a solid choice for one big reason: they go everywhere. Benin, Owerri, Yola, Kano, Akure, Makurdi—you name it. If you’re flying to a Nigerian city no one else services, chances are Air Peace has a flight there.

Our advice will be to;

• Book morning flights only. Afternoon and evening flights are more likely to get shifted.

• Follow up after booking. Don’t assume silence means confirmation.

• Have a backup plan, especially if you’re traveling for something time-sensitive.

Air Peace isn’t the smoothest airline, but for some routes, it’s your only option—and it usually gets the job done… eventually.

Tips for Booking Flights in Nigeria Without Stress

• Always book early. Prices go up fast, and flight availability can be unpredictable.

• Morning flights are safer. Nigerian airlines tend to be more on time earlier in the day.

• Double-confirm your ticket. Don’t assume payment means confirmation. Always get an email or text.

• Use secure cards to book online. Many Nigerian cards won’t work for flight payments, especially for international airlines. Use a secure virtual dollar card like Myaza’s USD card to pay easily, safely, and without FX wahala.

• Track your flight status. Call customer care or use the airline’s app to check for any changes.

• Arrive early. Nigerian airport check-ins can be chaotic—especially in Lagos.

Finally…

Booking a flight in Nigeria can either feel like booking a seat on a flying bus... or stepping into a peaceful journey that starts on time and ends without stories. It all depends on the airline you choose and how you prepare.

If you want to avoid unnecessary stress, missed appointments, and airport heartbreak, stick to the airlines that put customer experience and reliability first. A smooth travel experience in Nigeria is very possible, you just need to book smart.

And while you’re at it, make sure you’re not sweating over failed card payments or rejected transactions. Use Myaza’s virtual dollar card to book your flights without borders.

Safe travels!