United Airlines Fights to Block Nigerian Carrier's New York Launch
A major dispute between one of the world's largest airlines and a growing Nigerian carrier could reshape plans for new direct flights between Lagos and New York. The disagreement centres on a name, a trademark, and a complex aircraft leasing deal that has now landed on the desk of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, has formally requested that the DOT reject part of a permit application filed by Air Anka, a Turkish airline operator. Air Anka is seeking approval to provide a wet-leased Airbus A330 widebody aircraft to United Nigeria Airlines, which the Nigerian carrier intends to use for its first-ever transatlantic service to the United States. A wet-lease arrangement means the aircraft comes complete with crew, maintenance and insurance, allowing an airline to begin long-haul operations without the heavy costs of owning and staffing the plane itself.
While the American carrier says it does not oppose Air Anka's right to fly between Turkey and the United States, it has made its position clear when it comes to the Nigerian connection. United Airlines argues that allowing United Nigeria Airlines to operate under its current name on routes to America would cause serious brand confusion and consumer deception.The airline points to a trademark it has held in Nigeria since 2010, covering both the "United" and "United Airlines" names. Legal proceedings have been running in the Federal High Court of Nigeria since 2021, with the U.S. carrier seeking to stop United Nigeria from using what it considers a nearly identical brand.
To support its case, the Star Alliance member highlighted several real-world examples of mix-ups. One involved a security incident with a stowaway that was wrongly reported as having taken place on a United Airlines flight, when in fact it occurred on a United Nigeria service. Other cases include misdirected customer complaints and even media outlets mistakenly identifying United Nigeria's chief executive as the head of United Airlines.
For the African travel trade, this dispute carries significant implications. United Nigeria Airlines, which started operations in 2021, has been steadily expanding from domestic and limited regional routes across West Africa. A deal with Southwest Airlines to acquire six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with deliveries expected between the first uarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. A further four aircraft of the same type will follow, bringing the total fleet addition to ten planes. On the widebody side, two Airbus A330-200s are planned for delivery between July and October 2026 through the Air Anka partnership.
The Nigeria-U.S. air corridor is already one of the most important long-haul markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, Delta Air Lines flies nonstop from Atlanta to Lagos throughout the year and has offered a seasonal service from New York JFK during the busy December and January holiday period. United Airlines itself connects Lagos with Washington Dulles. Adding another operator on this route would increase competition and potentially bring more choice and better fares for travellers.
However, the regulatory path forward remains uncertain. It is worth noting that Nigeria's own Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has previously taken enforcement action against United Nigeria's wet-leased aircraft operations which adds another layer of complexity to the carrier's international ambitions.
For professionals across Africa's travel industry, this story is a powerful reminder that market access, branding and regulatory compliance are just as critical as fleet size and route planning. As African carriers increasingly look beyond the continent for growth, the ability to navigate international legal and commercial frameworks will determine who succeeds on the global stage.
