The Federal Government has announced that its new national carrier, Nigeria Air, will commence operations by the first quarter of 2022.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

He explained that the private sector-run airline would resume operations by early 2022, with possibly cheaper rates.

Sirika also added that Nigeria Air is expected to be a viable airline and is potentially poised to cater to millions of travelers in Nigeria and Africa.

According to the Aviation Minister, the forced postponement of the planned date for the establishment of the National Carrier (which was initially planned for the end of 2021) was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.