Etihad Airways has announced plans to resume flight operations to Nigeria in March 2027, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directing the immediate establishment of a joint working committee to fast-track the airline’s return.
According to the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood who disclosed this in a press release, the announcement was made during a courtesy visit by a high-level Etihad Airways delegation to the minister in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the airline’s Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, alongside Senior Vice President, 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.
Also present at the meeting were the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Farouk, and other senior officials of the ministry and its agencies.
Speaking during the meeting, Capt. Al Ali formally notified the minister of Etihad’s decision to return to the Nigerian market, revealing that the airline plans to commence daily Lagos-Abu Dhabi services between March 24 and 27, 2027.
He added that Etihad had already concluded a codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its strategy for the Nigerian market and would deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the route.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s decision and praised its partnership with Air Peace, describing the Nigerian carrier as one of the country’s most reliable 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.
Keyamo said Etihad’s planned return reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector, attributing the development to ongoing reforms by the Federal Government.
While noting ongoing terminal expansion works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, the minister appealed to the airline to consider extending its planned operations to Abuja.
According to him, Abuja offers significant passenger potential, particularly for travellers from Northern Nigeria heading to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia for Umrah, and other international destinations.
To support the airline’s return, Keyamo directed the Managing Director of FAAN to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate Etihad’s operations at the Lagos airport.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the delegation that the authority would provide operational space for the airline at the temporary terminal while ongoing infrastructure upgrades are completed.
In a move aimed at accelerating the airline’s planned resumption, the minister directed the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials of the ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways.
The committee is expected to coordinate regulatory approvals, operational planning and other requirements ahead of the airline’s return.
Both parties also agreed to begin engagements through a virtual meeting as early as next week to expedite the approval process and operational preparations.
Etihad Airways’ planned return is expected to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates while expanding travel options for passengers and boosting international airline presence in Nigeria.
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