Etihad To Resume Nigeria Operations March 2027 As Keyamo Visits UAE

Nigeria’s aviation industry is set for a major boost in international connectivity as Etihad Airways prepares to resume daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos from March 18, 2027.

The development was disclosed as the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo undertook a strategic working visit to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Etihad Airways.

The planned return of Etihad to the Nigerian market is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE while creating fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, cargo movement, investment and economic cooperation.

Keyamo was received at the Etihad Airways Group Headquarters by senior executives led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, senior vice president, Aeropolitical and International Government Affairs.

The meeting focused on the final administrative arrangements for the commencement of the Lagos service and explored ways of developing a broader and mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Nigeria and the airline.

Special adviser to the minister on media, Tunde Moshood in a statement last night, said “Beyond the planned flight operations, the minister’s visit also placed significant emphasis on capacity building and aviation skills development.”

Keyamo toured Etihad Aviation Training, where he examined the airline’s advanced training infrastructure and explored potential areas of collaboration in pilot and cabin-crew training, curriculum development and human-capital development for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The minister also toured Zayed International Airport, where he examined its operational systems, passenger experience, technology and integrated airport infrastructure.

Moshood said the visit provided an opportunity for Nigeria to gain insights into international best practices that could support the country’s ongoing efforts to improve airport efficiency, digitalisation, infrastructure and passenger experience.

The emerging Nigeria-Etihad partnership is expected to extend beyond passenger flights, with potential cooperation in areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering, cargo and logistics, airport development, aviation technology, tourism and airline partnerships.

The new daily service could also provide an important boost to Nigerian exporters, particularly businesses involved in agriculture, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing, by improving access to international cargo networks.