Some African airlines say, the Nigerian market and the transformative power of liberalized visa policies have played a pivotal role for their continental expansion and success.
In an interview with reporters at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market representatives of the airlines stressed Nigeria’s immense value, citing its large, travel-eager population as a cornerstone of their West African operations.
Sales Director for Africa, TAAG Angola, Mr. George Mawadri, described Nigeria as a “huge aviation market” and a “very pivotal market within Africa for any airline.”
This sentiment is reflected in the airline’s rapid growth, having increased its frequencies into Lagos from two to four weekly flights, with ambitions for a fifth in the near future.
Mr. Mawadri noted that this prosperous market effectively feeds passengers not only to Angola but also to key connecting destinations such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lisbon, and Sao Paulo.
He also revealed plans to open a route to Guangzhou, China, a destination he acknowledged is a “huge market for Nigerians as well, especially the traders.”
RwandAir’s Regional Manager for West and Central Africa, Ginette Kadigiri, affirmed that Nigeria was an “obvious choice” for the airline when it began operations in 2011.
She attributed this to Nigeria’s inherent “culture of travelling a lot,” which has sustained daily flights out of Lagos.
Kadigiri mentioned that Nigerian travellers have shown great appreciation for the airline’s service, particularly the recent upgrade to a comfortable Airbus aircraft on the route.
A central theme discussed by both airlines was the profound impact of visa-free travel on boosting tourism and simplifying connectivity.
The RwandAir’s Regional Manager explained that Rwanda’s policy of offering visas on arrival to all African nationals has been a game-changer.
“It’s just a matter of saying, let me book a ticket, and you’re on your way to Kigali”.
She added that the swift process at the airport has led to a “huge increase in the number of tourists” discovering Rwanda.
Echoing this, TAAG Angola Sales Director, detailed Angola’s recent move to grant visa-free access to nearly 100 nationalities, a policy that significantly enhances its appeal.
Critically for Nigerian passengers, he stressed that travellers connecting through Luanda to other destinations do not require a transit visa, removing a significant barrier and streamlining journeys to Southern Africa and beyond.
The airlines also shared their ambitious modernization and hub-development strategies.
According to Mr. Mawadri, TAAG Angola is undergoing a significant “transformational moment”.
The airline is bolstering its fleet with an order for 15 Airbus A220s and four Dreamliners, aiming to establish Luanda as a major African hub.
This vision is supported by a brand-new airport with a capacity for 15 million passengers, into which all flights will be consolidated from October 1st.
For its part, RwandAir continues to leverage its Kigali hub, connecting Nigeria to over 20 destinations directly and 120 through its codeshare partners, solidifying its network across the continent and globally.
More than just a market, Akwaaba African Travel is steadily transforming Lagos into Africa’s premier tourism and business hub.
The annual fair organized by Nigeria’s Travel and Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Ikechi Uko has become a magnet for global and regional players, riding on the surge of domestic tourism that is fueling billion-naira hotel revenues, creating jobs, and stimulating investment in hospitality infrastructure.
At the same time, the event is widening opportunities for African airlines and destinations, positioning Lagos not only as a gateway to Nigeria’s 200-million-strong market but also as a critical hub for continental connectivity, cultural exchange, and economic growth.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen.