Less than one month after UmzaAir announced plans to begin flight services between Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, another airline—United Nigeria Airlines, on Monday announced that it would begin direct flight operations from Lagos and Abuja to the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin by December 5, 2025.
The decision of the airline to add the Lagos–Abuja–Ilorin route to its list of destinations has been cited as a testament to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s infrastructural development strides, the ease of doing business in Kwara, and the state’s growing economy under the AbdulRazaq-led administration.
The commencement of direct flights from Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, two of Nigeria’s busiest airports to the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin will not only improve accessibility to Kwara but also attract investors, support the growth of the local economy, and further position the state as a regional hub.
The planned United Nigeria Airlines service has already sparked positive reactions from Kwara residents and passengers from neighbouring states who have long awaited affordable Ilorin–Abuja–Lagos flight options. Many are also commending Governor AbdulRazaq for the infrastructural improvements that have boosted investor and airline operators’ confidence in choosing Kwara as a viable destination.
Aviation observers note that the increasing interest from airlines reflects a broader shift in Kwara’s profile as an emerging commercial and travel centre. With more operators expected to explore the Ilorin route, stakeholders say the state is on track to becoming a major gateway for commerce, tourism, and regional connectivity.
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