Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate to Binani Air Global Services, clearing the first female - founded national airline to commence scheduled flight operations in one of Africa’s largest aviation markets.
The certification, formalised at an approval ceremony which took place in the capital of the country, Abuja, was granted following the airline’s successful completion of Nigeria’s stringent regulatory requirements covering aircraft maintenance, crew training, operational procedures, and financial sustainability.
Binani Air, founded by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, has become the first - female owned airline in Nigeria to receive an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), entering an industry where women in ownership and executive leadership roles remain underrepresented across the African Continent, marking a significant, historic milestone for female leadership in the nation’s aviation sector.
Key Features of Binani Air:
• Leadership: Founded by Senator Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed and led by CEO Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, making it the first airline in Nigeria with a female owner and female CEO.
• AOC Approval: Formally received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in March 2026, transitioning from charter operations approved in July 2024 to scheduled passenger flights.
• Initial Routes: Planned routes include Lagos as the main hub, covering domestic destinations, such as Abuja, Anambra, Kano, Maiduguri, and Port Harcourt.
• Safety Standards: The NCAA certified the airline following rigorous audits of its maintenance, crew training, and operational procedures.
• Fleet: The airline is operating with E170 aircraft.
NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo welcomed the development as a significant milestone while cautioning the new operator that safety standards, professionalism and careful planning must underpin all operations from the outset.
Nigeria’s domestic aviation market has faced capacity pressures in recent years, with several established carriers encountering financial and operational difficulties, making the arrival of a new certified operator like Binani Air, a timely addition for passengers and travel professionals alike. Route announcements and service commencement dates are expected in the coming months.
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