Flying within Nigeria can either be smooth and stress-free or unnecessarily expensive and frustrating. Whether you’re a business owner traveling for meetings, a freelancer visiting clients, or someone handling frequent domestic trips, choosing the right airline matters more than price alone.
This blog post breaks down the best airlines for cheap local flights in Nigeria, focusing on:
- affordability
- route coverage
- reliability
- suitability for business travel
If you travel often for work, keeping proper records is just as important as finding a good fare. Tools that help you track your business travel expenses in one place can save you stress at month-end.
What “cheap” means for local flights in Nigeria
A cheap local flight isn’t just about the lowest ticket price. For domestic and business travel, affordability also means:
- Fewer delays
- Reliable schedules
- Easy rescheduling
- Routes that save you time (not just money)
Sometimes paying ₦10k–₦15k more saves you hours and lost business opportunities.
Quick Comparison: Nigerian domestic airlines (2026)
| Airlines | Major routes | Typical price range | Best for |
| Air Peace | Lagos, Abuja, PH, Enugu | ₦88k–₦140k | Frequent & business travel |
| Ark Air | Lagos, Abuja, Kano | ₦85k–₦135k | Route availability |
| Ibom Air | Lagos, Abuja, Uyo | ₦87k–₦170k | Comfort & punctuality |
| Dana Air | Lagos, Abuja, PH | ₦90k–₦120k | Affordable major routes |
| Green Africa | Lagos, Ilorin, Akure | ₦85k–₦100k | Budget travel |
| ValueJet | Lagos, Abuja, Jos | ₦90k–₦110k | Cheap fares |
| Aero Contractors | Lagos, Abuja, PH | ₦85k–₦130k | Consistent operations |
| Overland Airways | Akure, Ibadan, Ilorin | ₦80k–₦120k | Regional business trips |
| NG Eagle | Lagos, Abuja | ₦84k–₦125k | Straightforward routes |
| XEJet | Lagos, Abuja, Enugu | ₦90k–₦160k | Corporate travel |
| United Nigeria | Lagos, Abuja, Owerri | ₦95–₦130k | Expanding connectivity |
Prices vary by season, demand, and booking time.
The best airlines for local & business flights in Nigeria
1. Air Peace
If you travel frequently within Nigeria, Air Peace is hard to ignore. It covers more cities than any other local airline, which makes it practical for both business and personal travel.
Why business travelers like it
- Wide route coverage
- Multiple daily flights on busy routes
- Loyalty program for frequent flyers
Watch out for: peak-season price spikes. You can always confirm schedules and baggage rules directly on the Air Peace official website
2. Arik Air
Arik remains popular for travelers who want availability. When other airlines are fully booked, Arik often still has seats.
Check current availability on the Arik Air website
Best for
- Lagos–Abuja corridor
- Travelers who need last-minute flights
3. Ibom Air
If punctuality and comfort matter to you, Ibom Air is one of the most consistent options.
Ideal for
- Business executives
- Professionals attending same-day meetings
- Trade-off: fares are usually slightly higher
Also Read: How to invoice & receive payments from international clients as a Nigerian freelancer?
4. Dana Air
Dana Air is a solid choice if you want affordable flights on major routes without unnecessary extras.
Best for
- Budget-conscious business travelers
- Lagos–Abuja and Lagos–PH routes
5. Green Africa
One of the best options for cheap local flights in Nigeria if you’re flexible with routes and timing.
Good for
- Short trips
- Entrepreneurs watching travel costs closely
6. ValueJet
ValueJet often competes directly on price and is worth checking when comparing fares.
Best for
- Cost-focused travelers
- Simple point-to-point trips
7. Aero Contractors
Aero is known for operational stability and is often used by professionals who value consistency.
Ideal for
- Oil & gas business travel
- Regular domestic flights
8. Overland Airways
Overland shines where others don’t regional and secondary routes.
Perfect for
- Business trips to less-served cities
- Regional meetings without long road travel
9. NG Eagle
NG Eagle is straightforward and functional, especially on the busiest routes.
Good for
- No-frills domestic travel
- Lagos–Abuja business trips
10. XEJet
XEJet leans toward corporate and executive travel.
Best for
- Corporate bookings
- Organized business trips
11. United Nigeria Airlines
United Nigeria is useful if your travel involves eastern or less-crowded routes.
Good for
- Business travel beyond Lagos–Abuja
- Travelers looking for alternatives to overcrowded flights
Also Read:How to Generate Financial Reports for Small Businesses
Tips for business travelers flying locally in Nigeria
If you fly often for work, these tips will save you money and stress:
1. Book mid-week
Tuesday to Thursday flights are often cheaper and less crowded.
2. Track expenses properly
Use tools like Invoice.ng expense tracking to log flights, receipts, and travel costs in one place.
This is especially useful for freelancers and SMEs managing reimbursements.
3. Generate invoices for travel clients
If you bill clients for travel or logistics, Invoice.ng, invoicing tools help you send clean, professional invoices instantly.
Final thoughts
Finding cheap local flights in Nigeria isn’t just about hunting for the lowest fare, it’s about choosing airlines that save time, reduce stress, and support your business goals.
With the right airline, smart booking habits, and proper expense tracking, domestic travel in Nigeria can be efficient and affordable.