Etihad Airways has confirmed that it will resume flight operations to Nigeria, marking its return to one of Africa’s biggest aviation markets after a period of absence.
The announcement was made during a meeting between senior executives of the Abu Dhabi-based airline and Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja. The visit signals a renewed partnership aimed at improving air travel between Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several international destinations.
According to the airline, flights are expected to begin in March 2027, with Lagos serving as the first destination. Etihad said it plans to operate daily services using its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner, giving Nigerian travellers more direct access to Abu Dhabi and convenient connections to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the world.
Leading the airline’s delegation was Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Al Ali, alongside other top executives responsible for network planning, commercial strategy and government relations.
Speaking during the meeting, Capt. Al Ali said the airline had been looking forward to returning to Nigeria and was pleased to officially inform the government of its decision.
He disclosed that Etihad intends to launch flights to Lagos between March 24 and March 27, 2027, adding that there is also growing interest in introducing services to Abuja in the future.
One of the biggest highlights of the announcement is Etihad’s newly signed codeshare agreement with Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline. Under the partnership, passengers will enjoy smoother connections between Etihad’s international network and Air Peace’s domestic routes across Nigeria.
The agreement is expected to make travelling easier by allowing passengers to book connected flights under a single arrangement while improving access to more destinations within and outside Nigeria.
Minister Festus Keyamo welcomed the airline’s return, describing it as another sign that confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector is improving. He also praised Etihad’s decision to partner with Air Peace, saying it demonstrates growing trust in Nigerian airlines.
According to the minister, the Federal Government remains committed to creating a business-friendly environment for both local and foreign airlines through ongoing reforms in the aviation industry.
While appreciating Etihad’s decision to begin with Lagos, Keyamo urged the airline to also consider launching flights to Abuja. He explained that many passengers from Northern Nigeria currently travel to Lagos before connecting to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other international destinations.
He noted that direct Abuja flights would reduce travel stress, save time for passengers and open another profitable market for the airline.
To ensure a smooth return, the minister directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately begin preparations for Etihad’s operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the airline that the authority would provide the necessary operational support despite ongoing renovation and expansion work at the airport. She acknowledged that available space is currently limited but said efforts would be made to accommodate the airline until the airport upgrade is completed.
To speed up the process, the Federal Government also approved the creation of a joint working committee made up of officials from the Ministry of Aviation, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways.
The committee will begin technical discussions immediately, focusing on regulatory approvals, operational planning and logistics ahead of the airline’s planned launch.
Industry experts believe Etihad’s return will increase competition on international routes, provide Nigerian travellers with more flight options and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major aviation gateway in West Africa. The renewed service is also expected to encourage tourism, business travel and investment between Nigeria, the UAE and other global markets.
