Etihad Airways will return to Nigeria after years away from the market, with plans to launch daily flights to Lagos in March 2027 and a new codeshare partnership with Nigerian carrier Air Peace.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline announced the development during a meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja, where it formally notified the Federal Government of its decision to resume operations.
Etihad’s Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, who led the airline’s delegation, said preparations for the return are already underway. He disclosed that daily services to Lagos are expected to commence between March 24 and March 27, 2027, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
As part of its expansion strategy, the airline has also finalized a codeshare agreement with Air Peace, a move expected to improve connectivity for passengers traveling within Nigeria and to destinations across Etihad’s global network.
Al Ali said the airline was pleased to officially communicate its readiness to resume services to Nigeria and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government for its support.
He noted that although Lagos would be the airline’s entry point, Abuja remains under consideration for future operations, adding that the United Arab Emirates Ambassador had strongly advocated for flights to the nation’s capital.
Receiving the delegation, Minister Festus Keyamo described Etihad’s return as another positive signal of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The minister also welcomed the airline’s partnership with Air Peace, describing the indigenous carrier as one of Nigeria’s most dependable airlines and reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting its growth.
Keyamo urged Etihad to consider operating flights into Abuja in addition to Lagos, stressing that the Federal Capital Territory has a large and underserved market of travelers, particularly passengers from northern Nigeria heading to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other international destinations.
According to the minister, Abuja offers significant growth opportunities, adding that the government is prepared to provide the necessary support to facilitate the airline’s operations there.
To ensure a seamless return, Keyamo directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide the required operational support at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the airline that adequate space would be made available at the airport’s temporary terminal pending the completion of ongoing upgrade works.
The minister also approved the immediate establishment of a joint working committee made up of officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, relevant aviation agencies, and Etihad Airways. The committee will coordinate regulatory approvals and operational preparations ahead of the airline’s planned launch.
Both sides agreed to begin virtual meetings next week to accelerate the approval process and ensure the March 2027 commencement timeline is achieved.
The meeting was attended by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Farouk; and other senior government and aviation officials.
Etihad’s return is expected to enhance air connectivity between Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several international destinations, while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to attract more global airlines and investment into the country’s aviation sector.
