Etihad Airways has officially announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria. The announcement came during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Abu Dhabi-based carrier to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, who said the airline’s planned return forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen international connectivity and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key aviation hub in West Africa.
The move is expected to offer Nigerian travellers more direct options to the United Arab Emirates and wider global destinations.
Leading the Etihad delegation was the airline’s Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt Khalid Al Ali. He was accompanied by Senior Vice President, 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 during the meeting, Capt Al Ali formally conveyed the airline’s decision to return to Nigeria, describing the move as one that had been eagerly anticipated by the carrier. He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed Etihad’s commitment to re-establishing 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 revealed that Etihad Airways had already concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, describing the partnership as a strategic step that would enhance passenger connectivity across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, the airline intends to deploy its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Nigeria route, operating daily services to meet expected passenger demand.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s decision, describing it as another endorsement of Nigeria’s improving aviation environment. He praised Etihad’s newly signed partnership with Air Peace, saying it reflected growing confidence in indigenous 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 local and international airlines.
Keyamo said he had looked forward to Etihad’s return for some time, noting that the development aligned with the Federal Government’s reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for global aviation investors. He maintained that restoring confidence among international airlines remained central to the administration’s aviation agenda.
While acknowledging the ongoing renovation and expansion works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the minister appealed to Etihad Airways to extend its planned operations beyond Lagos by introducing flights to Abuja, arguing that the nation’s capital presents a huge untapped market.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja. I want to beg you to consider Abuja. So many passengers from Northern Nigeria travelling to the UAE or transiting to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other destinations currently have to travel all the way to Lagos to board flights. Everyone has been asking for Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic. So, we are begging you to include Abuja,” Keyamo appealed.
Demonstrating the Federal Government’s determination to ensure a seamless return for the airline, the minister directed the Managing Director of FAAN to immediately facilitate all necessary arrangements for Etihad’s operations at the Lagos airport.
He stressed that every relevant agency must work together to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks before the airline’s planned commencement date.
Responding to the directive, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, assured the delegation that the authority would make adequate operational arrangements for Etihad despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades. She acknowledged that space at the temporary terminal remained limited but pledged that every possible effort would be made to accommodate the airline until the airport expansion project is completed.
To accelerate preparations, the minister approved the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, its agencies and Etihad Airways.
Both parties agreed to begin technical engagements through a virtual meeting as early as next week to fast-track regulatory approvals, operational planning and other logistical requirements.
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