Air Peace, Overland Airways Revive Direct Ibadan-Abuja Flights Amid Airport Reopening

Direct air links between Ibadan and Abuja are making a strong comeback as Nigeria’s leading airlines, Air Peace and Overland Airways, announce the resumption of scheduled services following the reopening of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport for commercial operations. 

This milestone delivers a vital boost to travellers in Oyo State and neighbouring areas, reinstating convenient nonstop access to the nation’s capital and strengthening regional connectivity within Nigeria’s domestic aviation network.

According to Travel News Africa, Air Peace, Nigeria’s flagship carrier, will launch daily round-trip flights on the Ibadan-Abuja route starting December 24, 2025. The decision responds to surging passenger demand after the airport’s extended closure for significant upgrades. 

With one-way fares starting at ₦95,000, the airline aims to offer accessible options for holiday travel and ongoing business needs. Air Peace’s aggressive domestic growth strategy includes this route revival, with restored services to Warri and added frequencies on busy corridors to handle peak festive demand and build momentum into 2026.

Supported by the recent integration of a third Embraer 190 jet into its fleet, Air Peace underscores its dedication to enhancing regional links, easing travel burdens, and fuelling economic progress through reliable aviation. The airline’s reentry into Ibadan is poised to invigorate business exchanges, tourism inflows, and family visits while serving as an essential conduit for professionals and officials travelling between the Southwest and the Federal Capital Territory.

Meanwhile, Overland Airways is also set to restore operations on the same route, with flights resuming on December 23, 2025. The carrier will run three weekly services on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with departures from Abuja at 10:30 a.m. and returns from Ibadan at noon. As the original pioneer on this corridor, Overland will utilise its modern 88-seat Embraer 175 aircraft, complete with premium and economy class options for greater passenger comfort.

Chief Operating Officer Mrs Aderonke Emmanuel-James hailed the restart as a key achievement, praising the Oyo State Government’s substantial investments in airport infrastructure, which paved the way for commercial returns after the closure began in March 2025. The upgraded facilities and new aircraft promise superior reliability and appeal to a wide range of travellers, from corporate executives to leisure seekers.

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The airport’s reactivation and these dual-carrier services are anticipated to create positive spillover effects across the region’s economy and social fabric. For stakeholders in Africa’s broader travel ecosystem, this signals fresh avenues in airline ticketing, customised tour development, and managed corporate mobility. Competitive pricing and expanded capacity from two established operators should spur passenger growth, offering more scheduling flexibility and reliable choices.

Nigeria’s aviation sector in 2025 has witnessed a notable spate of domestic route resumptions and airport reopenings, reflecting a broader recovery and modernisation drive. Key examples include the reactivation of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan after upgrades (runway extension, improved lighting, and fuel facilities), new commercial operations at Ekiti’s Agro-Allied Cargo Airport, and airlines such as Air Peace expanding their networks with routes to Warri and increased frequencies elsewhere. 

Other developments include state-airline partnerships for underserved regions, fleet additions (e.g., Embraer jets), and regulatory approvals that enable returns after closures or suspensions. This trend stems from policy reforms, private investments, and efforts to enhance safety and efficiency, positioning domestic aviation as a catalyst for intra-country mobility amid rising demand for business, festive, and leisure travel.

Improved domestic air connectivity, such as the Ibadan-Abuja revival, can significantly uplift Nigeria’s tourism by making regional attractions more accessible, reducing road travel risks, and encouraging short-haul trips to cultural sites, festivals, and eco-destinations in the Southwest and beyond. It stimulates domestic tourism, a resilient segment amid global challenges, boosting local economies through increased spending on hospitality, tours, and SMEs. 

Nationally, this helps create jobs in aviation-related services and supports efforts to diversify the economy, which could boost Nigeria’s tourism potential, even amid challenges such as poor infrastructure and security concerns.

On a continental scale, Nigeria’s aviation enhancements contribute to Africa’s tourism growth by improving intra-African links through initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Better domestic hubs feed into regional and international routes, making Nigeria a gateway for West African travel, attracting diaspora visitors, and facilitating multi-country itineraries. This fosters broader economic integration, raises passenger volumes, and positions Africa as a more competitive destination, with ripple effects on hospitality and cultural exchanges across the continent.

Dive deeper into Nigeria’s exciting aviation and tourism developments. Explore more stories on travel trends, route updates, and hidden gems across Africa right here on our website!

 

FAQs

1. When do the new Ibadan-Abuja flights start?

Overland Airways resumes on December 23, 2025 (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), and Air Peace begins daily services on December 24, 2025.

2. What are the flight schedules and fares for these routes?

Overland: Departs Abuja at 10:30 a.m., returns from Ibadan at noon. Air Peace offers daily round-trip flights with one-way fares starting at ₦95,000.

3. Why were flights to Ibadan suspended, and what’s changed? 

Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport closed in March 2025 for upgrades, including runway extensions and lighting improvements. It reopened for commercial operations in December 2025 after NCAA approval.

4. Which aircraft will operate these flights?

Air Peace uses Embraer 190 jets, while Overland deploys its new 88-seat Embraer 175 with premium and economy options.

5. How does this affect travel and tourism in Nigeria?  

Restored direct links ease access between the Southwest and Abuja, boosting business, family visits, and domestic tourism while supporting economic growth in Oyo State and beyond.