The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued Air Operator Certificates to two new entrants, Enugu Air and Binani Air Global Services, clearing both carriers for scheduled commercial operations. The certificates were issued days apart in March, adding to the roster of airlines competing in Nigeria's growing domestic aviation market.
Enugu Air, a virtual carrier backed by Enugu State and operated under the Air Operator's Certificate of Xejet, received its certification on 10 March 2026. The airline has been positioned by the state government as an economic enabler for the South-East region, with plans to grow its fleet through direct state-funded aircraft purchases.
New Names in a Crowded Market
Binani Air Global Services received its certification for scheduled operations on 18 March 2026, joining an increasingly competitive field that already includes Air Peace, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, Arik Air, ValueJet, Green Africa Airways, Overland Airways, Max Air, Azman Air and Rano Air. The new certifications come as Nigeria's domestic seat capacity has continued to climb through 2026, driven largely by fleet expansion at the country's largest carriers.
Why It Matters
Each new Air Operator Certificate reflects the NCAA's formal assessment that a carrier meets Nigeria's safety, maintenance and operational standards before commercial flights can begin. With both airlines now certified, attention turns to how quickly Enugu Air and Binani Air can scale routes and fleet size in a market where established carriers are already expanding aggressively.