Enugu Air has become the 50th member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), marking a major milestone for the fast-growing carrier and strengthening its prospects for wider collaboration and expansion across Africa.

Enugu Air has achieved a major Enugu-linked milestone after being admitted as the 50th member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), strengthening the carrier’s position within Africa’s aviation industry.

AFRAA announced the admission in Nairobi on August 19, 2026, describing Enugu Air’s entry as an important addition to its membership in Nigeria’s growing domestic aviation market. The association said its member airlines collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.

The development marks another significant step for the Enugu-based airline, which commenced commercial operations on July 7, 2025, and has rapidly expanded its presence in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.

Headquartered in Enugu and operating from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu Air currently serves domestic destinations and has plans to expand its network across Nigeria before moving into regional and international routes across Africa, Europe and other markets.

AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé, welcomed the airline into the association, describing Enugu Air as an example of the kind of homegrown investment needed to strengthen air connectivity and build a more resilient African aviation industry.

Berthé also said AFRAA would support Enugu Air through the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification process as the airline continues its expansion.

Reacting to the admission, Enugu Air Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Tolu Ita, described membership of AFRAA as a major milestone for the young carrier.

He said the development reinforced the airline’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable air travel while contributing to the vision of a more integrated African aviation market.

“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity,” Ita said, adding that the airline looked forward to collaborating with other members and leveraging the association’s support as it expands its network and pursues IOSA certification.

Enugu Air’s admission also gives the airline access to a broader continental platform for industry collaboration, knowledge sharing and engagement with other African carriers and aviation stakeholders.

The development comes as the airline continues to pursue an expansion strategy aimed at improving connectivity between Nigerian cities and, eventually, destinations across Africa and beyond.

The carrier operates Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft and began commercial operations with the objective of strengthening domestic air connectivity from its Enugu base.

For Enugu State, the milestone further highlights the growing role of the state in Nigeria’s aviation landscape and supports the broader ambition of positioning Enugu as a major aviation and economic hub in the South-East.

The AFRAA membership therefore represents more than an industry affiliation for Enugu Air. It provides the young carrier with a stronger continental platform as it works towards expanding its network, improving operational standards and building partnerships capable of supporting its long-term growth.

With Enugu Air now the 50th member of AFRAA, the carrier is positioned to deepen its participation in Africa’s aviation ecosystem while pursuing its ambition of connecting more destinations and contributing to a more integrated African air transport market.

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