The planned return of Etihad Airways marks another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s aviation reform agenda under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
This reinforces growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and further expanding connectivity between Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world.
Etihad Airways’ return to Nigeria is expected to boost international connectivity, create more travel options for passengers, deepen aviation partnerships and strengthen investor confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, says the airline’s planned resumption of flights is another sign that the Federal Government’s reforms are making Nigeria an attractive destination for global carriers.
He also welcomed Etihad’s new codeshare partnership with Air Peace and urged the airline to expand beyond Lagos by including Abuja in its network, citing the huge passenger demand from northern Nigeria.
Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, told the Minister that the carrier is set to resume daily Lagos services with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner between March 24 and 27, 2027.
He added that the airline has concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace and is also considering future operations to Abuja.
Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the airline of FAAN’s readiness to support its return by providing operational space at the Lagos temporary terminal pending the completion of ongoing airport upgrades.
A joint committee comprising the Ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways has also been inaugurated to fast-track regulatory approvals and operational arrangements ahead of the airline’s return.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen