Nigerian start-up Binani Air (NA, Lagos) has commenced scheduled commercial operations with two company-owned 76-seater E170s after having been granted its air operator's certificate (AOC) for domestic flights in March 2026. Destinations to date include Abuja, Kano, Yola, and Lagos, its online booking engine confirms.

The inaugural flight on May 11 between Abuja and Kano and onward to Yola was conducted with 5N-CCI (msn 17000169), while 5N-CCJ (msn 17000170) has since joined its sister ship.

Both of the Binani Air company-owned 19-year-old regional jets were initially delivered in 2007 to EgyptAir Express. The Nigerian carrier bought 5N-CCI from CIAF Leasing, while 5N-CCJ came from Jasmin Airways (JAW, Enfidha), according to ch-aviation data.

Binani Air has held an AOC for non-scheduled services since July 2024. Its fleet also includes one Hawker 800XP for charter flights.

Binani Air is punted as Nigeria's first female-owned airline, under Aishatu Binani Dahiru, a senator for Adamawa State, and is part of the Binani Group of Companies, which also includes Binani Construction and Binani Printing Press.