The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted an air operator certificate (AOC) to Binani Air Global Services, also known as Binani Air, paving the way for the carrier to begin scheduled flight operations.
The announcement was made during a presentation ceremony in Abuja on March 17, where the director-general of civil aviation, Chris Najomo, described the certification as a “historic milestone and significant breakthrough” for the country’s aviation sector.
Founded by Aishatu Binani Dahiru, a former senator, Binani Air represents a step forward for gender representation in Nigeria, as the airline is the country’s first to be run by a woman.
Najomo praised the airline’s leadership for its persistence throughout what he called a “rigorous certification process,” adding that the company demonstrated determination and consistency in meeting regulatory standards.
However, Najomo cautioned that securing the AOC is only the beginning of a more demanding phase.
“The airline’s management needs to prioritize proper planning, professionalism, and continuous adherence to safety and operational standards as there is no room for shortcuts in the industry,” Najomo said.
According to CAPA, the airline—based at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport—has held an AOC since July 2024 for non-scheduled services.
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