If you are looking for a reliable, comfortable and affordable way to travel within Nigeria, you may want to consider Ibom Airlines. Ibom Airlines is a relatively new domestic airline that operates flights to six cities in Nigeria: Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
In this review, I will share my personal experience of flying with Ibom Airlines, as well as some of the features, benefits and drawbacks of this airline. I will also compare it with some of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria and give you some tips on how to book and manage your flights with Ibom Airlines.
What is Ibom Airlines?
Ibom Airlines is a Nigerian airline that was launched in June 2019 by the Akwa Ibom State Government. The airline is named after the state’s slogan, “Land of Promise”. The airline’s vision is to be a world-class African regional airline and its mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable air travel services. The airline’s motto is “Experience Service at a New Altitude”.
Ibom Airlines currently operates a fleet of five Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, which are designed for regional flights. Each aircraft has 90 seats, with 10 seats in Premium Economy Class and 80 seats in Economy Class. The airline claims to have the youngest fleet of aircraft in Nigeria, with an average age of 6.4 years.
Why Choose Ibom Airlines?
There are many reasons why you may want to choose Ibom Airlines for your domestic travel needs. Here are some of the main ones:
- On-time performance: Ibom Airlines prides itself on its punctuality and reliability. The airline publishes its monthly on-time performance statistics on its website and social media platforms. According to its latest report, the airline achieved an average on-time performance of 94% in February 2023, which means that 94% of its flights departed within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure time. This is impressive compared to some of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria, which often suffer from delays and cancellations due to various factors such as weather, traffic congestion, operational issues and security challenges.
- Customer service: Ibom Airlines strives to provide excellent customer service at every point of your flight experience. From the moment you book your flight online or through their travel agents, to the time you check-in at the airport, board the aircraft, enjoy the onboard services and land at your destination, you will be treated with courtesy, professionalism and hospitality by the Ibom Airlines staff. The airline also has a dedicated customer feedback platform where you can share your comments, suggestions and complaints and get a prompt response from the airline management.
- Safety: Ibom Airlines is committed to ensuring the safety of its passengers, crew and aircraft. The airline follows strict safety standards and procedures in line with international best practices. The airline also has a COVID-19 safety policy that requires all passengers and staff to wear face masks, undergo temperature screening, sanitize their hands and observe physical distancing at all times. The airline also disinfects its aircraft regularly and provides personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for its passengers.
- Affordability: Ibom Airlines offers competitive fares for its flights across Nigeria. You can book your flight online or through their travel agents and pay with various methods such as debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers or cash. You can also take advantage of their frequent promotions and discounts to save money on your travel expenses. For example, the airline currently offers a 10% discount for senior citizens (60 years and above) and students (with valid ID cards) on all flights.
- Loyalty program: Ibom Airlines has a loyalty program called Ibom Flyer that rewards frequent flyers of the airline. The program has three membership tiers: Green, Orange and Top. As a member of the program, you can earn points for every flight you take with Ibom Airlines and redeem them for free flights or upgrades. You can also enjoy exclusive benefits such as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, extra baggage allowance, lounge access and more.
How Was My Experience Flying with Ibom Airlines?
I had the opportunity to fly with Ibom Airlines from Lagos to Uyo and back in March 2023. Here is a summary of my experience:
Booking
I booked my flight online through the Ibom Airlines website. The booking process was simple and straightforward. I entered my travel details, selected my preferred flight and seat, entered my personal and payment information and confirmed my booking. I received an email confirmation with my booking reference and e-ticket. I also signed up for the Ibom Flyer program and earned some points for my flight.
Check-in
I checked in online 24 hours before my flight. I entered my name and booking reference and printed my boarding pass. I also received a text message reminder from the airline about my flight details and COVID-19 safety guidelines.
I arrived at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos two hours before my flight. I proceeded to the Ibom Airlines check-in counter, where I was greeted by a friendly staff member who verified my identity and boarding pass. She also weighed my baggage and tagged it with a priority label, as I was a Premium Economy Class passenger. She then directed me to the security screening area.
Boarding
I cleared the security screening and proceeded to the departure lounge, where I waited for my boarding announcement. The lounge was spacious and comfortable, with ample seating, charging points, free Wi-Fi and a variety of shops and restaurants. I also had access to the Ibom Airlines lounge, which was exclusive for Top tier members of the Ibom Flyer program. The lounge was cozy and elegant, with complimentary snacks, drinks, newspapers and magazines.
About 30 minutes before my flight, I heard the boarding announcement for Ibom Airlines flight IB 101 to Uyo. I made my way to the boarding gate, where I showed my boarding pass and ID to the gate agent. She scanned my boarding pass and welcomed me aboard. I boarded the aircraft through a jet bridge and was greeted by a smiling cabin crew member who directed me to my seat.
Onboard
I settled into my seat in Premium Economy Class, which was located in the front section of the aircraft. The seat was comfortable and spacious, with a generous legroom, recline and width. The seat also had a headrest, an armrest, a tray table, a cup holder, a reading light and an air vent. There was also an overhead bin for my carry-on bag.
The cabin crew distributed PPE kits to all passengers, which contained a face mask, a pair of gloves, a hand sanitizer and a wet wipe. They also gave out headphones, pillows and blankets to Premium Economy Class passengers. They then performed the safety demonstration and checked that everyone was ready for take-off.
The aircraft pushed back from the gate on time and taxied to the runway. The pilot announced the flight details and weather conditions and wished us a pleasant flight. The aircraft took off smoothly and climbed to its cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.
In-flight
The cabin crew started the in-flight service shortly after take-off. They offered us a choice of drinks and snacks from a menu card. I opted for a glass of orange juice and a pack of roasted peanuts. The drinks and snacks were complimentary for all passengers.
The cabin crew also distributed newspapers and magazines to Premium Economy Class passengers. I browsed through some of them and found them interesting and informative.
The aircraft had an in-flight entertainment system that featured a variety of movies, TV shows, music, games and podcasts. The system was accessible through personal devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. I connected my smartphone to the system and watched a movie on it.
The flight duration was about one hour and 15 minutes. The pilot announced our descent into Uyo about 20 minutes before landing. He also updated us on the weather and time in Uyo.
Arrival
The aircraft landed smoothly at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on time. The cabin crew thanked us for flying with Ibom Airlines and wished us a good day. We disembarked from the aircraft through a jet bridge and proceeded to the baggage claim area.
I collected my baggage quickly as it had a priority label on it. I then exited the airport terminal and took a taxi to my hotel.
Return Flight
My return flight from Uyo to Lagos was similar to my outbound flight in terms of booking, check-in, boarding, onboard service and arrival. The only difference was that I flew in Economy Class instead of Premium Economy Class on this flight.
The Economy Class seat was slightly smaller than the Premium Economy Class seat, but still comfortable enough for a short-haul flight. The seat also had similar features such as a headrest, an armrest, a tray table, a cup holder, a reading light and an air vent.
The in-flight service was also similar to the outbound flight, except that I had to pay for my drinks and snacks in Economy Class. The prices were reasonable and the quality was good. I paid with my debit card, which was accepted by the cabin crew.
The in-flight entertainment system was also available in Economy Class, but I had to use my own headphones to access it. I watched another movie on my smartphone and enjoyed it.
The flight duration was also about one hour and 15 minutes. The pilot announced our descent into Lagos about 20 minutes before landing. He also updated us on the weather and time in Lagos.
The aircraft landed smoothly at the MMA2 in Lagos on time. The cabin crew thanked us for flying with Ibom Airlines and wished us a good day. We disembarked from the aircraft through a jet bridge and proceeded to the baggage claim area.
I collected my baggage quickly as it had a priority label on it. I then exited the airport terminal and took a taxi to my home.
How Does Ibom Airlines Compare with Other Domestic Airlines in Nigeria?
I have flown with some of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria such as Air Peace, Arik Air, Azman Air and Dana Air. Based on my experience, I would say that Ibom Airlines is one of the best domestic airlines in Nigeria in terms of on-time performance, customer service, safety and affordability.
Ibom Airlines has a higher on-time performance rate than most of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria, which often suffer from delays and cancellations due to various factors such as weather, traffic congestion, operational issues and security challenges.
Ibom Airlines also has a better customer service than most of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria, which often have rude, unprofessional and unhelpful staff members who do not care about their passengers’ needs and complaints.
Ibom Airlines also has a higher safety standard than most of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria, which often have old, poorly maintained and unsafe aircraft that pose a risk to their passengers’ lives.
Ibom Airlines also has a lower fare than most of the other domestic airlines in Nigeria, which often charge exorbitant prices for their flights without providing any value or quality for their passengers.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Ibom Airlines?
Like any other airline, Ibom Airlines has its benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of them:
Benefits
- On-time performance: Ibom Airlines has a high on-time performance rate, which means that you can rely on them to depart and arrive on time without any delays or cancellations.
- Customer service: Ibom Airlines has a friendly, professional and hospitable staff who will treat you with respect and care throughout your flight experience.
- Safety: Ibom Airlines has a safe and modern fleet of aircraft that are well maintained and operated by qualified pilots and crew members.
- Affordability: Ibom Airlines has competitive fares that are affordable for most travelers. You can also save money by taking advantage of their frequent promotions and discounts.
- Loyalty program: Ibom Airlines has a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers with free flights or upgrades. You can also enjoy exclusive benefits such as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, extra baggage allowance, lounge access and more.
Drawbacks
- Limited destinations: Ibom Airlines currently flies to only six cities in Nigeria: Uyo, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt. This means that you may not be able to fly with them if you want to travel to other destinations within or outside Nigeria.
- Limited frequency: Ibom Airlines currently operates only one or two flights per day to each of its destinations. This means that you may not have many options to choose from when booking your flight.
- Limited capacity: Ibom Airlines currently operates only five aircraft, each with 90 seats. This means that you may not be able to get a seat on your preferred flight if it is fully booked or overbooked.
- Limited amenities: Ibom Airlines currently does not offer any inflight meals or beverages apart from drinks and snacks. This means that you may have to bring your own food or buy it at the airport if you are hungry or thirsty during your flight.
You can manage your bookings online through their website or through their travel agents. You can edit your flight details, change your seat selection, cancel or reschedule your flight, request a refund or a voucher, and more. You can also check-in online 24 hours before your flight and print your boarding pass.
You can also contact Ibom Airlines through their phone numbers, email addresses or social media platforms if you have any questions or concerns about your flight reservation or experience. They will respond to you promptly and professionally.
Useful Resources
- For more information about Ibom Airlines, you can visit their official website, where you can find details about their destinations, fares, services, policies and more. You can also read their blog, where they post news and updates about their operations, achievements and events.
- If you want to book a flight with Ibom Airlines, you can do so online through their website or through their mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS devices. You can also book through a travel agent or a third-party website, such as Travelstart, Wakanow or Jumia Travel. However, you may not get the same benefits and privileges as booking directly with Ibom Airlines, such as earning Ibom Flyer points or getting complimentary services.
- If you want to compare Ibom Airlines with other domestic airlines in Nigeria, you can use websites such as Skyscanner, Kayak or Google Flights, which allow you to search for flights by date, price, duration, class and more. You can also read reviews from other travelers on websites such as Tripadvisor, Trustpilot or Nairaland Forum, which offer honest and unbiased opinions about different airlines and their services.
Conclusion
Ibom Airlines is a new and promising domestic airline that offers a reliable, comfortable, and affordable way to travel within Nigeria. The airline has a high on-time performance rate, friendly and professional customer service, a safe and modern fleet of aircraft, a competitive fare and a loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers.
However, the airline also has some limitations such as a limited number of destinations, frequency, capacity, and amenities. The airline may also face some challenges such as competition from other domestic airlines, regulatory issues, security threats, and economic downturns.
Overall, I would recommend Ibom Airlines to anyone who wants to experience a new level of service and quality in Nigerian air travel. I would also encourage the airline to expand its network, increase its frequency and capacity, improve its amenities, and overcome its challenges.
I hope you enjoyed this review of Ibom Airlines and found it helpful and informative. If you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to share them with me. Thank you for reading and happy flying!
Ibom Air online booking
Ibom Air offers online booking for its passengers. The online booking system is easy to use and efficient. The airline also offers a mobile app for its passengers.
Ibom Air routes
Ibom Air currently has several domestic routes within Nigeria:
- Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos
- Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Abuja
- Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Abuja
- Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo
- Ibom Air flight from Abuja to Lagos
- Ibom Air flight from Abuja to Uyo
| Flight Number | Route | Codes | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QI 200 | UYO – ABUJA | QUO – ABV | 8:00 AM | 9:15 AM |
| QI 202 | UYO – ABUJA | QUO – ABV | 8:30 AM | 9:45 AM |
| QI 204 | UYO – ABUJA | QUO – ABV | 2:00 PM | 3:15 PM |
| QI 206 | UYO – ABUJA | QUO – ABV | 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
| QI 100 | UYO – LAGOS | QUO – LOS | 7:30 AM | 8:45 AM |
| QI 102 | UYO – LAGOS | QUO – LOS | 8:00 AM | 9:15 AM |
| QI 104 | UYO – LAGOS | QUO – LOS | 8:30 AM | 9:45 AM |
| QI 106 | UYO – LAGOS | QUO – LOS | 4:15 PM | 5:30 PM |
| QI 301 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 9:00 AM | 10:15 AM |
| QI 207 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 10:30 AM | 11:45 AM |
| QI 307 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 10:30 AM | 11:45 AM |
| QI 303 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 1:00 PM | 2:15 PM |
| QI 309 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 2:15 PM | 3:30 PM |
| QI 311 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
| QI 305 | ABUJA – LAGOS | ABV- LOS | 6:05 PM | 7:20 PM |
| QI 501 | ABUJA – CALABAR | ABV – CBQ | 2:35 PM | 3:50 PM |
| QI 701 | ABUJA – ENUGU | ABV – ENU | 11:05 AM | 11:55 AM |
| QI 703 | ABUJA – ENUGU | ABV – ENU | 12:05 PM | 12:55 PM |
| QI 901 | ABUJA – PORT HARCOURT | ABV – PHC | 11:10 AM | 12:25 PM |
| QI 903 | ABUJA – PORT HARCOURT | ABV – PHC | 11:40 AM | 12:55 PM |
| QI 904 | ABUJA – PORT HARCOURT | ABV – PHC | 8:00 AM | 9:15 AM |
| QI 905 | ABUJA – PORT HARCOURT | ABV – PHC | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| QI 201 | ABUJA – UYO | ABV – QUO | 10:00 AM | 11:15 AM |
| QI 203 | ABUJA – UYO | ABV – QUO | 12:00 PM | 1:15 PM |
| QI 205 | ABUJA – UYO | ABV – QUO | 6:00 PM | 7:15 PM |
| QI 500 | CALABAR – ABUJA | CBQ – ABV | 12:35 PM | 1:35 PM |
| QI 401 | CALABAR – LAGOS | CBQ – LOS | 4:30 PM | 5:45 PM |
| QI 700 | ENUGU – ABUJA | ENU – ABV | 9:30 AM | 10:20 AM |
| QI 702 | ENUGU – ABUJA | ENU – ABV | 10:30 AM | 11:20 AM |
| QI 601 | ENUGU – LAGOS | ENU – LOS | 12:30 PM | 1:50 PM |
| QI 605 | ENUGU – LAGOS | ENU – LOS | 1:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
| QI 603 | ENUGU – LAGOS | ENU – LOS | 5:55 PM | 6:55 PM |
| QI 900 | PORT HARCOURT – ABUJA | PHC – ABV | 9:10 AM | 10:25 AM |
| QI 902 | PORT HARCOURT – ABUJA | PHC – ABV | 9:40 AM | 10:55 AM |
| QI 806 | PORT HARCOURT – LAGOS | PHC – LOS | 8:55 AM | 9:55 AM |
| QI 807 | PORT HARCOURT – LAGOS | PHC – LOS | 9:55 AM | 10:55 AM |
| QI 801 | PORT HARCOURT – LAGOS | PHC – LOS | 1:10 PM | 2:10 PM |
| QI 803 | PORT HARCOURT – LAGOS | PHC – LOS | 1:40 PM | 2:40 PM |
| QI 300 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 7:00 AM | 8:15 AM |
| QI 306 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 8:30 AM | 9:45 AM |
| QI 310 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 9:30 AM | 10:45 AM |
| QI 302 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 11:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| QI 308 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 12:30 PM | 1:45 PM |
| QI 304 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM |
| QI 312 | LAGOS – ABUJA | LOS – ABV | 6:15 PM | 7:30 PM |
| QI 400 | LAGOS – CALABAR | LOS – CBQ | 10:40 AM | 11:55 AM |
| QI 600 | LAGOS – ENUGU | LOS – ENU | 7:50 AM | 8:50 AM |
| QI 602 | LAGOS – ENUGU | LOS – ENU | 4:15 PM | 5:15 PM |
| QI 604 | LAGOS – ENUGU | LOS – ENU | 8:50 AM | 9:50 AM |
| QI 800 | LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT | LOS – PHC | 7:30 AM | 8:30 AM |
| QI 802 | LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT | LOS – PHC | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
| QI 101 | LAGOS – UYO | LOS – QUO | 9:45 AM | 11:00 AM |
| QI 103 | LAGOS – UYO | LOS – QUO | 1:45 PM | 3:00 PM |
| QI 105 | LAGOS – UYO | LOS – QUO | 6:15 PM | 4:00 PM |
Ibom Air Booking Guide for May 30, 2023
Ibom Air, a new Nigerian carrier, has announced its first destination – Lagos. The airline, which was founded in 2019, operates a fleet of seven aircraft and offers six destinations: Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt. The Airline is based in Uyo, the capital of the state of Akwa Ibom.
Ibom Air’s inaugural flight departed from Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at 7:00am local time on Wednesday, June 7th. The airline’s hub is in Lagos, and the airline currently has six destinations served from there: Uyo, Lagos, Abuja, Calabar, Enugu, and Port Harcourt.
Their goal is to make air travel affordable and accessible for all Nigerians, and the airline plans to do this by focusing on service quality, affordability, and customer experience.
Ibom Air booking
In addition to offering great prices and a convenient online booking system, Ibom Air also provides passengers with a wide array of destinations. The airline flies to major cities in Nigeria, as well as to many international destinations. This makes it a great option for travelers who want to explore different parts of the world.
So, whether you’re looking for a cheap flight to Lagos or a luxurious vacation in Dubai, be sure to check out Ibom Air. The Akwa Ibom Airport is one of the busiest airports in Nigeria. It is located in the city of Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The airport serves as a hub for Air Peace, an airline based in Lagos. It is also a base for Arik Air, another Nigerian airline.
Akwa Ibom Airport is an important transportation hub for the region. It is the gateway for both passengers and cargo coming into and out of the city. The airport is also a key economic driver for the local economy, generating over $1 billion in annual revenue.
How much is Ibom Air from Uyo to Lagos?
Flying within Nigeria is not as expensive as one would think. For a domestic airline, Ibom Air is relatively cheap. A one-way flight from Uyo to Lagos costs about ₦55,000.
