Arik Air
A Nigerian scheduled airline linking domestic cities with destinations across West Africa and selected long-haul markets, primarily through its Lagos hub.
About Arik Air
Arik Air is a Nigerian scheduled airline founded in 2002 by businessman Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide and launched commercial services in 2006. The carrier developed from a privately owned domestic operator into one of Nigeria’s most recognizable airline brands. Financial difficulties later led the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to place the company under receivership in 2017, while flights continued under the Arik Air name and W3 designator.
Lagos is Arik Air’s primary hub and busiest departure point, followed by Abuja. Accra, Dakar and Asaba are also prominent origins within its network. The airline serves 31 destinations across 13 countries through 83 routes, combining Nigerian domestic links with services elsewhere in West Africa and selected long-haul flying. Destinations include Accra, Bamako, Banjul, Cotonou, Dakar, Freetown and numerous Nigerian commercial and administrative centres.
Aircraft types associated with Arik Air’s operations include the Airbus A340-500, Boeing 737-700 and 737-800, Canadair Regional Jet 900, and De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 Dash 8. These types support missions ranging from short domestic sectors to regional and long-haul services. Cabin products vary by aircraft and route, with economy service across the network and premium or business-class seating available on appropriately configured aircraft.
Arik Air does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, so passengers should not expect reciprocal alliance-wide status benefits or through-ticketing solely through a global alliance. Its own frequent-flyer programme is Affinity Wings, historically allowing members to earn and redeem miles on eligible travel. Travellers should verify current enrolment, earning and redemption arrangements directly with the airline before making a booking based on loyalty benefits.
The breadth of Arik Air’s network is a practical strength, especially for journeys linking Lagos and Abuja with Nigerian state capitals and West African cities. Its 31-destination footprint also includes a New York–Lagos service, the airline’s longest route at about 8,445 kilometres nonstop. A fair challenge is operational consistency following years of financial restructuring and fleet constraints, so passengers should reconfirm schedules, terminals and flight status close to departure.
Good to know
Flying with Arik Air — what to expect
Reconfirm Flight Status
Check Arik Air’s current schedule shortly before departure, as operational changes and aircraft availability can affect flight times.
Verify Your Terminal
Lagos and Abuja have multiple terminal facilities. Use the terminal shown on your latest booking confirmation and check again before travelling to the airport.
Check Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances may differ by route, fare and cabin. Review the conditions attached to your ticket before packing, particularly for journeys involving different aircraft types.
Cabins Vary
Arik Air uses aircraft ranging from regional turboprops and jets to Boeing and Airbus types. Seat layouts, premium-cabin availability and onboard service can therefore vary by flight.
Allow Connection Time
Build a generous buffer into connections, especially when flights are booked on separate tickets. A delay on one booking may not protect travel arranged independently on another.
Confirm Loyalty Access
Affinity Wings is Arik Air’s frequent-flyer programme, but current earning and redemption options should be confirmed with the airline before purchase.
Network overview
Where Arik Air flies
Arik Air operates 83 routes to 31 destinations across 13 countries, its longest sector reaching New York to Lagos (8,445 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Arik Air flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
New York → Lagos
8,445 km · JFK → LOS
The longest sector in the Arik Air network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Arik Air
Notable destinations on Arik Air's network.
W3LagosdirectW3AbujadirectW3AccradirectW3DakardirectW3AsabadirectW3BamakodirectW3BanjuldirectW3Benin CitydirectW3CalabardirectW3CotonoudirectW3EnugudirectW3FreetowndirectDestination list is indicative of Arik Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Nigeria
Other airlines based in Nigeria
FAQ
Arik Air — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Carry-on limits can depend on the route, fare, cabin and operating aircraft. Passengers should check the baggage terms on their current booking rather than relying on a general allowance from a previous trip.
- Arik Air serves exactly 31 destinations across 13 countries. Its network comprises 83 routes.
- Arik Air’s longest route is New York to Lagos, covering about 8,445 kilometres nonstop.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking ahead, avoiding major holiday periods and comparing several travel dates. Prices are dynamic, so midweek or less popular departure times may offer better value.
- Arik Air’s primary hub and busiest departure point is Lagos. Abuja is its second-busiest hub, while Accra, Dakar and Asaba are also important network origins.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- The airline’s busiest departure hubs, ranked by number of routes, are Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Dakar and Asaba. Lagos is the principal hub and offers the broadest range of departures.
- Arik Air serves Nigerian cities, other West African markets and selected long-haul destinations. Its network includes Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Dakar, Asaba, Bamako, Banjul, Benin City, Calabar, Cotonou, Enugu and Freetown.