BINANI AIR Cleared For Takeoff, Secures Operating License

In a development that signals both progress and possibility for Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) has granted an air operator certificate to BINANI GLOBAL AIR SERVICES, clearing the airline to commence scheduled flight operations.

The presentation of the certificate in Abuja was more than a regulatory formality-It carried the weight of a journey defined by persistence, scrutiny and quiet determination.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, described the moment as a significant milestone, not just for the airline, but for an industry steadily opening its doors to new voices. He pointed to the emergence of a female-led airline as a notable shift in a space historically dominated by men.

Behind the certification, he noted lies a rigorous process, one that tests not only compliance, but resilience. According to him, BINANI AIR’s management demonstrated consistency in meeting regulatory demands, addressing challenges, and staying the course until the final approval was secured.

But even as the celebrations settle, the message from the regulator remains clear: the real work begins now.

Captain Najomo cautioned that securing an AOC is only the first step into a far more demanding operational phase. He emphasized that discipline, meticulous planning, and unwavering adherence to safety standards must define the airline’s next chapter. In aviation. he stressed there is little tolerance for shortcuts.

For the airline’s founder, Aisha Dahiru Binani, the moment is both a culmination and a commencement. She described the certification journey as challenging yet deeply rewarding, acknowledging the role of the NCAA in guiding the process with professionalism.

She also credited the broader policy environment, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo for fostering conditions that support new entrants into aviation space.

As BINANI AIR prepares to take to the skies, its entry reflects more than the launch of another airline, It represents a test of endurance, a shift in representation, and a reminder that in aviation, every takeoff is backed by months, sometimes years, of unseen effort.