5 Worst Airlines in Nigeria

Travelling by air has always been a challenge in Nigeria, with delays and misplaced bags being common complaints. As a result, the industry has some of the worst airlines in Nigeria.

Not to forget the hike in base fares for local flights resulting from the current fuel constraint. A burden that may not reflect in the quality of service, especially in prompt flight.

Earlier this year, Nigerian airline executives issued a letter that outlined 16 reasons in the face of new criticism for delays.

They blamed bad weather, a lack of airport parking spots, and the need to restrict the airspace occasionally when VIPs like Nigeria’s president are set to depart or arrive at any of the country’s 20 airports. 

The majority of these are well-known, understandable reasons that have previously been reported. 

On the other hand, the airline operators have complained about “unruly customers” who try to block other scheduled planes from taking off when their flights are delayed, causing even more delays.

Here are the five worst airlines in Nigeria.

1. Dana Air

Dana Airlines Limited, a subsidiary of the Dana Group of Companies, is a privately owned airline that operates under the name Dana Air.

Dana Air, based in Ikeja, offers local flights to a few Nigerian destinations in addition to its charter services.

Nigerians have reported that Dana air is one of the worst airlines in Nigeria. From delayed flights to having a poor refund policy.

One Niran Adedokun expressed his disappointment in an article. He was disappointed and angry when his flight scheduled for 6:45 am was cancelled without any prior notification. 

In the past, videos have also surfaced on the internet where a Dana employee was almost physically assaulted because the airline’s flight was pushed up from 4:10 pm to 5:40 pm.

However, when people were waiting to board at 5:40 pm, an airline employee arrived to announce a new reschedule for 7 pm, which enraged their listeners.

At that point, violence was only avoided when the airline employee was able to dash away from the enraged passengers. 

There are also social media reviews that have put Dana Air in a negative view. Some of them are shared below.

2. Ibom Air 

The Akwa Ibom State Government owns Ibom Air, a Nigerian airline. On June 7, 2019, a Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft bearing the Ibom Air logo took off from Uyo’s Victor Attah International Airport.

The aeroplane was en route to Lagos’ Muritala Muhammed International Airport and had on board the government officials on board.

The state of Akwa Ibom is the first in Nigeria to have its own airline. However, the reports regarding the airline services have been bad. 

From complaints about delays and cancellations of flight services and poor customer service.

Below are some of the reviews customers have given Ibom Air.

3. Arik Air    

Arik Air is a Nigerian airline that primarily operates out of two hubs: Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The Arik Air Aviation Center is located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja and serves as the company’s headquarters.

Despite the airline is one of the top local airlines in Nigeria, it has also been the worst as reported by the airline’s customers.

Customers have complained about their terrible customer service delivery, untrustworthy customer service agents and bosses and how it is also difficult for the airline to stick to a schedule. 

Below are some of the reviews from customers.

4. Aero Contractors

It was founded in 1959 and is based at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. It employs roughly 1,300 people.

Abuja, Asaba, Benin City, Calabar, Kaduna, Kano, Enugu, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Sokoto are among the cities where Aero Contractors provides travel services.

Despite not being a novice in the industry, a lot of customers still regard them as incompetent and one of the worst airlines in Nigeria. 

According to Airline Ratings, most customers chose “no” when asked if they could recommend the airline to others.

5. First Nation Airline

It was founded in 1959 and is based at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. It employs roughly 1,300 people.

The airline, formerly known as First Nation Airways Ltd, was founded in 2011 and is based at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Customers that have used this airline have had negative remarks about their service and refund policies. 

Below are some of the reviews from customers about the airline.

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