Travelling from Jos to Kano or Owerri? You May Soon Skip the Long and Tiring Road Journey
Getting from Jos to Kano or Owerri could soon become a lot easier.
For residents of Plateau State who regularly travel to these cities for business, family visits, education or other engagements, two new direct flight connections are on the way.
The Plateau State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines to introduce direct flights from Jos to Kano and Owerri, creating new air links between Plateau State and two important commercial and regional destinations.
For travellers who have had to depend largely on road transportation or connecting flights through other cities, this could be a welcome development.
Two New Routes, More Travel Options
Here is what travellers need to know about the proposed routes:
1. Jos to Kano
Commencement date: November 15, 2026
Frequency: Twice weekly
Airline: United Nigeria Airlines
Kano is one of Nigeria’s major commercial centres, with strong connections to trade, manufacturing and other business activities.
A direct flight between Jos and Kano could make business trips more convenient, particularly for Plateau-based traders, entrepreneurs, professionals and students who regularly travel to the North-West.
2. Jos to Owerri
Commencement date: November 25, 2026
Frequency: Twice weekly
Airline: United Nigeria Airlines
The Owerri connection will provide another travel option for people moving between Plateau State and the South-East.
Whether for family visits, business engagements, education or personal commitments, the new route is expected to make travelling between both destinations more convenient.
The Owerri service will commence ten days after the Kano route due to ongoing maintenance work at Owerri Airport.
Both services will operate from Yakubu Gowon Airport in Heipang, near Jos.
What the Plateau Government Says
Speaking after the agreement was signed on Monday, November 9, 2026, the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, described the partnership as part of the state’s broader efforts to improve connectivity and position Plateau as a destination for investment, tourism, commerce and other economic opportunities.
In his words, “The Jos–Owerri route is particularly significant because of Owerri’s proximity and accessibility to the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones. This connection is expected to provide residents of Plateau State and neighbouring states with improved access to these two important regions, thereby facilitating trade, investment, tourism, social interactions and other economic activities.”
He further said that, “the Jos–Kano route is designed to strengthen Plateau State’s connectivity with the North-West geopolitical region. Kano, being one of the major commercial and industrial centres in Northern Nigeria, offers enormous opportunities for business partnerships, trade and economic exchanges.”
He encouraged residents, business owners, tourists and other travellers to patronise the airline, stressing that the sustainability of the new routes would depend largely on public patronage.
The initiative aligns with Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s broader vision of opening up Plateau State and making it more accessible to people, businesses and investors.
What United Nigeria Airlines Says
The Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, who signed the agreement on behalf of the airline, described the partnership as a unique opportunity to improve connections across different parts of the country.
According to him, the new routes will link the North-Central, North-West, South-East and South-South regions, offering passengers more direct travel options without necessarily having to connect through Lagos or Abuja.
The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, was also present at the signing.
Okonkwo expressed appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for the vision and strategic direction behind the initiative.
What This Could Mean for Plateau
Beyond providing another means of transportation, improved air connectivity could have wider implications for Plateau’s economy.
Business and trade: Kano is a major commercial destination. Easier access could create new opportunities for Plateau businesses, traders and entrepreneurs to build relationships, explore markets and move between both cities more conveniently.
Family and personal travel: For people with family, educational or business connections in Kano and Owerri, direct flights could make journeys less stressful and reduce dependence on lengthy road trips.
Tourism: Plateau has attractions that deserve wider national and international attention. From Shere Hills and Riyom Rock to the Jos Wildlife Park, easier access to the state could make it more convenient for visitors to explore what Plateau has to offer.
Local economic activity: Increased flight operations could create additional opportunities for transport operators, hotels, restaurants and other businesses around the airport and within the wider Jos metropolis.
However, the actual economic impact will depend on passenger demand, affordable ticket prices, reliable flight operations and the ability to sustain the routes over time.
What Travellers Should Know
While the commencement dates and flight frequencies have been announced, some important details are still awaited.
These include:
The specific days of operation for each route.
Ticket prices and available fare categories.
Flight departure and arrival times.
Official booking and reservation arrangements.
Travellers interested in using the new services should monitor United Nigeria Airlines’ official communication channels for confirmed schedules and booking information.
Would you consider flying from Jos to Kano or Owerri? Which of the two routes would be more useful to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.