Etihad Airways has announced its return to the Nigerian market, unveiling plans to resume flight operations and confirming the signing of a codeshare agreement with Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by a high-powered delegation of the Abu Dhabi-based airline to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
Leading the Etihad delegation, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, said the airline was ready to recommence services to Nigeria, with Lagos scheduled as its first destination.
He disclosed that the airline plans to begin daily Lagos operations between March 24 and 27, 2027, using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
According to Al Ali, the airline has already concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its strategy to strengthen connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.
“Your Excellency, thank you very much for receiving us. We’ve been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria. That’s why we’re here to inform you officially now that we are ready to fly to Nigeria,” he said.
He added that there was strong support from the United Arab Emirates Ambassador for the commencement of flights to Abuja, noting that while Lagos would be the initial destination, Abuja remained under consideration.
Responding, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, welcomed Etihad’s return, describing it as another indication of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister particularly commended the airline’s partnership with Air Peace, describing the Nigerian carrier as one of the country’s most reliable airlines.
“I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good. Air Peace is one of our trusted and most reliable airlines. We are supporting them to grow. It is a very proud Nigerian flag carrier,” Keyamo said.
He urged Etihad Airways to extend its planned operations to Abuja, arguing that the Federal Capital Territory offers significant passenger traffic, particularly from travellers in Northern Nigeria connecting to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and other international destinations.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic. Everyone has been asking for Abuja,” the minister said.
To facilitate the airline’s return, Keyamo directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide the necessary operational support at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the airline that the authority would make space available at the temporary terminal pending the completion of ongoing terminal upgrades.
The minister also approved the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways to fast-track regulatory approvals and operational arrangements.
Both parties agreed to begin virtual engagements next week to ensure the airline meets its planned March 2027 commencement date.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Farouk, alongside other senior officials of the ministry and its agencies.
Etihad’s planned return is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and other global destinations, while supporting the Federal Government’s drive to attract more international airlines and investments into the country’s aviation sector.
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