FLIGHT REVIEW: Enugu Air: Abuja - Lagos

Introduction

Enugu Air is one of the newest entrants into Nigeria's domestic aviation market, having commenced operations in July 2025. This was my first flight with the airline, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

What initially attracted me to the airline was the pricing. Fares were relatively affordable compared with other airlines operating the Abuja–Lagos route. The flight schedule was also convenient for me.

Flight Overview

• Airline: Enugu Air, operated by XEJet

• Route: Abuja - Lagos

• Flight number: 4U2220

• Date: 4 February 2026

• Aircraft type: Embraer E190

• Aircraft registration: 5N-ENS

• Cabin/class: Economy

• Seat number: 18A

• Flight duration: 49 minutes

• Cruising Altitude: 28,000 feet

Arrival and Check-in

The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 11:25 am, and I had already checked in online. However, in the evening of the previous day, I received an email from the airline saying that the departure time had been moved forward to 9:10 am "due to operational reasons." Although the message was apologetic, the reschedule meant that I had to leave for the airport much earlier than I had planned.

I arrived at Terminal B of Abuja Airport around 7:45 am. Check-in was quick, and in no time, I had my boarding pass in my hand and proceeded to pre-boarding security screening. I was travelling with one piece of checked baggage weighing just 10kg, which was well below Enugu Air’s baggage allowance of 20kg for Economy Class passengers.

While we waited for boarding, a one-hour delay on the flight was announced. Well, that didn't come as a surprise. Not because Enugu Air had delayed my flight before, but because flight delays are hardly unusual in this part of the world.

Boarding and Departure

The first boarding call was made around 10:00 am. Boarding was quick, orderly and well coordinated. The crew apologised for the delay, attributing it to the late arrival of the operating aircraft after adverse weather affected its previous sectors.

We departed Abuja at exactly 10:33 am. Following a smooth takeoff roll, the Embraer E190 gently lifted off the runway and made a westerly departure. We quickly levelled off and cruised at 28,000 feet above sea level. Despite the delay, it was a smooth ride all the way.

Aircraft and Seat

I travelled in the Economy Class cabin and my seat was 18A (a window seat). The flight was operated by an Embraer E190 registered 5N-ENS. The aircraft's cabin appeared neat and well maintained. Both the seat width and legroom were generous.

This particular aircraft was configured with a total of 99 seats, including 11 business class seats and 88 economy class seats. With a 2-2 configuration in both cabins, the Embraer E190 is one of the most comfortable narrowbody aircraft in the skies today, with no dreaded middle seats.

The Crew

On the flight deck, Captain Jesse Attah was in command and he was assisted by Senior First Officer Hussein. The flight crew's pre-flight and en-route briefings were clear, reassuring and professionally delivered. Two cabin crew members took care of us in the cabin. They were cheerful, welcoming, and genuinely helpful.

For refreshments, the cabin crew handed us pre-packaged snack bags containing biscuits, light pastries, a small juice pack, a bottle of water, and sweets.

Arrival in Lagos

Following the 49-minute flight, we gently touched down on Runway 18L at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at exactly 11:22 am. From the initial descent to final approach and touchdown, everything was smooth and professionally executed by the flight crew. Visibility at the destination was 6 km, while the temperature on the ground was 31°C.

Final Verdict

Although the flight was moved forward from its original departure time and subsequently delayed, the airline communicated effectively with passengers throughout. At no time did they leave passengers wondering what to do. I commend the airline for managing both situations professionally.

From departure to arrival, the entire journey was an enjoyable experience. Both cockpit and cabin crews were friendly, professional, and approachable. I particularly loved that in-flight announcements were made in Igbo, in addition to English, of course. For context, Igbo is the native language of Enugu State, whose government founded Enugu Air and where the airline is headquartered.

Despite the schedule change and subsequent delay, the actual flight turned out to be one of the smoothest domestic flights I've had in recent times. On-board service delivery was impressive. I'll definitely fly Enugu Air again.

Trip Summary

• Check-in – 9.0/10

• Boarding – 9.0/10

• Crew – 9.5/10

• Seat Comfort – 9.3/10

• In-flight Catering – 8.5/10

• Punctuality – 7.5/10

• Aircraft – 9.2/10

• Communication – 9.5/10

• Overall Rating – 9.0/10

Chidozie Uzoezie is an aviation analyst, travel writer, travel influencer, digital content creator, newspaper columnist, and contributor to several in-flight magazines. He can be reached on WhatsApp at +234 817 837 9876.