By Nathaniel Irobi
Etihad Airways is set to return to Nigeria after a six-year absence, with the airline’s top executives formally announcing the resumption of flights during a visit to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja on Thursday.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier plans to commence daily flights between Lagos and the UAE capital between March 24 and 27, 2027, deploying its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route.
The delegation, led by Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President for Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, told the Minister that the airline was eager to re-enter the Nigerian market.
“We’ve been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria,” Capt. Al Ali said. “That’s why we’re here to inform you officially now that we are ready to fly to Nigeria.”
He also disclosed that there had been significant interest from the UAE Ambassador to commence operations into Abuja, adding that the airline’s immediate plan was to start Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027.
Keyamo welcomed the development, describing it as another positive outcome of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the country’s aviation sector.
“I saw you just signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good,” the Minister said. “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.”
However, the Minister made a strong appeal to the delegation to consider operating into Abuja in addition to Lagos. He argued that passengers from Northern Nigeria, including those travelling for Umrah to Saudi Arabia, currently endure the inconvenience of travelling to Lagos to catch international flights.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja. I want to beg you to consider Abuja,” Keyamo said.
“So many passengers from Northern Nigeria travelling to the UAE or transiting to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other destinations currently have to travel all the way to Lagos to board flights. Everyone has been asking for Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic. So, we are begging you to include Abuja,” he added.
In response, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, assured the delegation that arrangements would be made to accommodate the airline at the temporary terminal in Lagos while ongoing renovation works at the international airport are completed. She acknowledged that space would be tight but pledged that every effort would be made.
To ensure a smooth resumption, Keyamo directed the immediate formation of a joint working committee comprising officials from the Ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways to fast-track regulatory approvals and operational planning. Both parties also agreed to begin virtual engagements as early as next week.
Etihad Airways previously operated flights to Nigeria but suspended services in 2020. Its return comes amid growing economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE and signals renewed international confidence in the country’s aviation sector under the current administration.
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