Etihad Airways has officially announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Abu Dhabi-based airline to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, who said the airline’s planned return would help deepen Nigeria’s international connectivity and strengthen the country’s position as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
The resumption is expected to provide Nigerian travellers with more direct flight options to the United Arab Emirates and other international destinations.
The Etihad delegation was led by the airline’s Senior Vice President of Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Al Ali. He was accompanied by the Senior Vice President of Network, Alliance and Commercial Strategy, Jurriaan Stelder; Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Asma Al Mheiri; and Diplomatic Affairs Manager, Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi.
The Nigerian delegation included the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Umar Farouk; and other senior government officials.
Speaking at the meeting, Capt. Al Ali formally announced Etihad’s decision to resume operations in Nigeria, describing the return as a highly anticipated move for the airline.
He thanked the Nigerian government for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed Etihad’s commitment to re-establishing its operations in the country.
“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. There’s also a lot of push from our Ambassador to commence flights to Abuja. Our plan is to start Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027,” Al Ali said.
He disclosed that Etihad Airways had already finalised a landmark codeshare agreement with Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, describing the partnership as a strategic step that would enhance passenger connectivity across Nigeria and international destinations.
According to him, Etihad plans to deploy its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the route, with daily services expected to meet anticipated passenger demand.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed Etihad’s decision to resume operations in Nigeria, describing it as another endorsement of the country’s improving aviation environment.
He also praised the airline’s newly signed codeshare partnership with Air Peace, saying the agreement reflected growing international confidence in Nigerian 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,” the minister said.
He added that the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for both domestic and international airlines.
Keyamo said he had long anticipated Etihad’s return to Nigeria, noting that the development was in line with the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to reposition the country as an attractive destination for global aviation investors.
He said restoring the confidence of international airlines remained a key priority of the administration’s aviation agenda.
