Rawlings honoured as UNA launches Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra routes
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA)
Accra, Ghana – In a milestone for West African air travel, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has officially launched direct regional flight operations to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, marking its entry into the international market.
The inaugural flight, which arrived from Abuja to a warm reception by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), symbolizes a new phase in regional connectivity between Nigeria and Ghana two of the continent’s leading economies. The airline will now operate daily flights from Abuja and four weekly flights from Lagos to Accra, offering travelers more direct options for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the ceremony, UNA Chairman and CEO, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, described the new route as more than just a business move, but a contribution to regional unity and development.
“This inaugural regional flight is not merely a business expansion; it is a bridge between nations,” Prof. Okonkwo said. “United Nigeria Airlines is proud to play a role in deepening economic, social, and cultural ties within West Africa.”
In a symbolic gesture of solidarity and respect, United Nigeria Airlines named its maiden international aircraft after the late former Ghanaian President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. The aircraft, emblazoned with the inscription “The legend lives on,” was unveiled during the welcoming ceremony in Accra, a tribute to Rawlings’ legacy of Pan-African unity and leadership.
GACL Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare commended the airline’s entry into Ghana’s aviation market, emphasizing that UNA’s operation enhances Accra’s reputation as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
“United Nigeria Airlines’ arrival not only adds to our growing list of international carriers but strengthens Accra’s position as a preferred gateway for regional travel,” she noted.
UNA now becomes the 25th international carrier operating at Kotoka International Airport, signaling growing investor confidence in Ghana’s aviation sector.
Industry analysts say UNA’s entry will increase competition on the busy Accra–Lagos–Abuja corridors, potentially driving down airfares and stimulating growth in trade and tourism. The airline’s expansion aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals of promoting seamless mobility and regional integration.
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