Passengers celebrate as Umza commences Ilorin operation

Passengers, travel operators and airport officials in Ilorin have welcomed the commencement of commercial flights by Umza Air, describing the development as a major relief for travellers on the Ilorin to Abuja route.

The inaugural flight touched down around 6:28 pm on Sunday, Daily Trust reports.

The airline’s first commercial landing at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport marked the beginning of what many passengers said was a more comfortable and affordable travel experience on the Ilorin to Abuja route.

Hon. Jimoh Lukman Ishola, member representing Orelope in the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the service exceeded his expectations.

According to him, “This is very fantastic. I decided to join the flight after learning from a friend that Umza would begin operations in Ilorin.”

He noted that passengers had previously faced difficulties with high ticket prices and limited flight options in Ilorin.

Travel consultant and CEO of Bellarmine Gold Travels, Oyindamola Bello, described Umza’s arrival as a welcome relief for frequent flyers.

She said passengers had endured excessive fares for too long and prayed for the continuity and safety of the airline.

Another passenger, Sheriff Kazim, described the takeoff and landing as exceptional.

He said he decided “to try the airline after hearing about its inaugural flight and was impressed with the experience.”

Head of Commercial for Umza Aviation, Abdul Karim Musa, said the “airline chose Ilorin because of its growing profile in commerce, tourism and regional travel”.

He said, “Umza’s early morning departure and evening return schedule would allow travellers complete their engagements in Abuja without spending money on hotels”.

Chief Pilot of Umza Services, Captain William Abdalla, said he was proud to be part of the history.

He said Umza would make it easier for travellers to depart Ilorin in the morning, conduct business in Abuja or other connected cities and return home the same day.

He said the airline would break the long standing monopoly on the route by offering cheaper fares and reliable services.

Before the latest development, Daily Trust reports that the Ilorin route had suffered limited competition, causing fares to rise as high as N350,000.

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