Etihad Airways to resume Nigeria flights 2027
Etihad Airways
Abdullateef Fowewe
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced plans to resume operations in Nigeria from March 2027, with Lagos set to be the initial route.
This was made known in a statement by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the Aviation Minister.
The airline also signaled interest in Abuja, as Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo urged it to consider the capital because of strong passenger demand.
The announcement was made during a courtesy visit to Keyamo in Abuja on Thursday by a delegation led by Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Etihad’s senior vice-president for aeropolitical, international, and government affairs.
Al Ali said the airline was ready to enter the Nigerian market, stating, “We’ve been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria, we are ready to fly to Nigeria”.
He added that Etihad’s plan was to begin Lagos operations between March 24 and 27, 2027, with daily flights using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Partnership with Air Peace
Etihad said it has concluded a codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its Nigeria strategy.
That arrangement is expected to support connectivity and make the route more attractive for passengers travelling between Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond.
The delegation also included senior executives in network strategy, aeropolitical affairs, and diplomatic affairs.
Keyamo welcomed Etihad’s return and described it as another sign that Nigeria’s aviation sector is becoming more attractive to global airlines and investors.
He said Lagos remains the commercial hub but urged the carrier to consider Abuja as well, noting, “Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja”.
He also argued that many passengers from northern Nigeria currently travel to Lagos to connect to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, adding, “If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic”.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and the aviation ministry.
Etihad’s planned return follows recent efforts by the federal government to improve Nigeria’s aviation climate and attract foreign carriers.
