Etihad Airways will resume operations to Nigeria in March 2027, marking its return to the country’s aviation market with daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner services to Lagos.
The airline confirmed the development during a meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
Etihad’s delegation, led by Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, also announced that the carrier has signed a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace ahead of the resumption of services.
According to the airline, flights to Lagos are scheduled to commence between March 24 and 27, 2027.
During the meeting, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s return but urged it to consider extending operations to Abuja, noting that many travellers from northern Nigeria currently transit through Lagos before connecting to destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The minister said direct services from Abuja would improve connectivity and provide greater convenience for passengers, particularly those travelling for Umrah and other international journeys.
As part of preparations, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been directed to allocate terminal space for Etihad’s operations in Lagos, while a joint working committee comprising officials of the ministry and the airline has been established to coordinate the airline’s return.
Virtual meetings between both parties are expected to begin next week.
The planned resumption is seen as another boost for Nigeria’s aviation sector, with Etihad joining a growing number of international airlines expanding or restoring services to the country.
