Etihad Airways has officially announced its return to the Nigerian market, confirming plans to resume scheduled flight operations to Lagos in March 2027, in a move that signals renewed confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and ongoing reforms.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit by a high-powered Etihad Airways delegation to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The delegation, led by Capt. Al Ali, included the airline’s Senior Vice President for Network, Alliance and Commercial Strategy, Jurriaan Pieter Stelder; Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Asma Khalifa Al Mheiri; and Diplomatic Affairs Manager, Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi.
During the meeting, Etihad Airways confirmed that it had concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace, a partnership expected to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates while providing passengers with expanded travel options across both airlines’ networks.
The airline also disclosed that it will commence daily flights to Lagos using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft between March 24 and 27, 2027.
To ensure a seamless return, both parties agreed to establish a joint implementation committee comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and Etihad Airways. The committee will oversee regulatory approvals and operational preparations, while virtual technical engagements are scheduled to begin next week.
Speaking during the meeting, Minister Keyamo welcomed Etihad’s return and urged the airline to consider expanding its Nigerian operations beyond Lagos by adding Abuja as a future destination. He noted that ongoing expansion projects at Lagos Airport, rising passenger demand from Northern Nigeria, and increasing travel to the United Arab Emirates and onward destinations, including Saudi Arabia for Umrah, present strong opportunities for route expansion.
The Minister also directed the Managing Director of FAAN to provide all necessary operational support to facilitate the airline’s successful return to Nigeria.
Industry observers believe Etihad Airways’ decision to resume operations reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation reforms and the Federal Government’s efforts to improve air transport infrastructure, enhance regulatory efficiency, and attract global carriers.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo; FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; NAMA Managing Director, Engr. Umar Farouk; and other senior officials from the Ministry of Aviation and its agencies.
Etihad Airways’ planned return marks another milestone in the Federal Government’s aviation transformation agenda under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with expectations that the renewed services will boost trade, tourism, investment, and connectivity between Nigeria, the Middle East, and other international destinations.
