Dana Air
Dana Air is a privately owned Nigerian scheduled carrier known for domestic flights centred on Lagos, although its operations have been suspended since April 2024.
About Dana Air
Dana Air is a privately owned Nigerian airline that began scheduled passenger operations in 2008. The carrier trades under the Dana Air name and uses the IATA code 9J and ICAO code DAN. It developed its identity around relatively frequent domestic services linking Nigeria’s commercial and administrative centres. Its operating history has also included significant regulatory scrutiny, particularly following safety-related incidents.
The airline’s principal base is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, with Abuja serving as another important station in its domestic network. Its schedules have historically linked Lagos and Abuja with cities such as Port Harcourt, Owerri and Enugu. Dana Air has concentrated on Nigerian routes rather than building a substantial international network, making it primarily relevant to domestic business, family and government-related travel.
Dana Air has been closely associated with the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 family, especially the MD-83, while Boeing 737 aircraft have also appeared in its fleet plans and operations. The airline has generally offered economy and business-class seating on selected services. Cabin configuration, aircraft type and onboard amenities can differ by flight, so travellers should verify the operating aircraft and included services before booking.
Dana Air is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Its own loyalty programme is known as Dana Miles, which has historically allowed registered customers to earn rewards from eligible travel. Because the airline’s operational and commercial arrangements may change during periods of regulatory review, passengers should confirm whether enrolment, mileage earning and reward redemption are currently available before relying on programme benefits.
A practical strength of Dana Air’s traditional network was its focus on direct links between several of Nigeria’s busiest domestic markets, particularly routes involving Lagos and Abuja. However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority suspended the airline’s operations in April 2024 following a runway excursion in Lagos and ordered an operational audit. Travellers should therefore confirm that services have formally resumed and that a flight is operating before purchasing tickets or making connecting arrangements.
Good to know
Flying with Dana Air — what to expect
Check Operating Status
Dana Air’s operations were suspended by Nigerian regulators in April 2024. Confirm current regulatory clearance and actual flight availability directly with the airline before booking.
Domestic Network Focus
Dana Air has historically concentrated on Nigerian domestic routes, particularly services involving Lagos and Abuja. It is not generally suitable for through-ticketed international itineraries.
Verify Baggage Terms
Cabin and checked-baggage allowances can depend on the fare and travel class. Review the conditions shown on your ticket rather than relying on an allowance from an earlier trip.
Allow Connection Time
For a separate international or domestic connection, leave a generous buffer and consider an overnight stay. Separate tickets may offer little protection if the first flight is delayed or cancelled.
Aircraft May Vary
Dana Air has operated different aircraft types, and cabin layouts may not be consistent across services. Check the scheduled aircraft and seat information when flights are available.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Dana Air
Notable destinations on Dana Air's network.
9JLagosdirect9JAbujadirect9JPort Harcourtdirect9JOwerridirect9JEnugudirect9JUyodirectDestination list is indicative of Dana Air's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Nigeria
Other airlines based in Nigeria
FAQ
Dana 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
- Dana Air has historically operated domestic Nigerian routes linking Lagos and Abuja with cities including Port Harcourt, Owerri, Enugu and Uyo. Its operating status and current schedule should be checked directly before travel.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices displayed.
- Dana Air’s active destination count cannot be stated reliably while its operations remain subject to regulatory and schedule changes. Consult the airline’s current timetable for any resumed destinations.
- Dana Air’s cabin-baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin and current operating policy. Check the allowance printed on the booking confirmation and confirm weight and size limits with the airline before departure.
- Lagos is Dana Air’s main departure point, particularly Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja has also been a major station.
- Domestic fares are often lower when booked in advance and outside major holidays, weekends and peak business-travel periods. Compare several dates, but verify that Dana Air has resumed confirmed operations before purchasing.
- Dana Air’s longest route cannot be identified reliably without a current active schedule. Its historical network consisted mainly of relatively short domestic sectors within Nigeria.
- Dana Air’s primary hub is Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Abuja has also been an important departure point in its domestic network.