Ethiopian Airlines has announced the expansion of its operations in Nigeria with additional flight frequencies and the introduction of a new service to Port Harcourt, further strengthening its presence in one of its key African markets.
Under the expansion plan, the airline will increase its Lagos operations to 21 weekly flights, offering up to three daily services, while Kano will receive an additional four weekly flights, taking the total to 11 flights per week.
Ethiopian Airlines will also commence four weekly flights to Port Harcourt, complementing its existing operations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu. With the addition of Port Harcourt, the airline’s total weekly operations to Nigeria will rise to 53 flights.
Speaking on the expansion, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said the increased capacity demonstrates the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its broader economic potential.
She said the additional flights would provide passengers with greater flexibility, increased seat availability, improved connectivity and more competitive fares.
“Nigeria remains a very important market for Ethiopian Airlines. By increasing our frequencies and adding Port Harcourt, we are giving passengers more flexibility, greater seat availability, better connectivity, and access to more attractive and competitive fares”, Mekonnen said.
According to her, the expansion will also generate economic benefits beyond the aviation sector by supporting tourism, trade, investment and employment.
She further noted that increased flight activity would create more business opportunities for Nigerian ground handling companies, airports, travel agencies, hotels, transport operators, caterers and other service providers.
“Every additional flight creates economic activity. It means more business for Nigerian ground handling companies, airports, travel agencies, hotels, transport providers, catering, and other local service providers, while also creating direct and indirect employment opportunities”, she explained.
Mekonnen further said Ethiopian Airlines would leverage its extensive international network to support inbound tourism and attract more visitors to Nigeria.
“Our objective is not only to connect Nigerians to the world, but also to bring more of the world to Nigeria. Better air connectivity can support tourism, facilitate trade and investment, and contribute to Nigeria’s wider economic growth”, she said.
The Port Harcourt service is expected to particularly improve international connectivity for the South-South region, giving travellers and businesses easier access to Ethiopian Airlines’ global network through its Addis Ababa hub.
The network provides connections across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Mekonnen expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, airport authorities and other stakeholders for their continued support of the airline’s operations in Nigeria.
“As Ethiopian Airlines grows in Nigeria, we want our growth to create value for Nigeria; through better connectivity, more tourism, more business opportunities, and more jobs. We remain committed to being a long-term aviation partner to the country”, she said.