Nigeria’s aviation sector is set for a major lift as Etihad Airways formally announced its return to the Nigerian market during a high-level meeting with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The Etihad delegation was led by Capt. Khalid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International & Government Affairs. He was joined by Jurriaan Stelder, SVP Network, Alliance & Commercial Strategy; Asma Khalifa Al Mheiri, Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs; and Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi, Diplomatic Affairs Manager.
Also present were the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Managing Director, Engr. Umar Farouka; and other senior officials of the Ministry and its agencies.
Daily Dreamliner Flights Set for March 2027
Speaking at the meeting, Al Ali confirmed Etihad’s decision to resume operations to Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, thank you for receiving us. We’ve been eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria.
“That’s why we’re here to inform you officially that we are ready. There’s also strong push from our Ambassador to commence flights to Abuja. Our plan is to start Lagos between *March 24 and 27, 2027”, he said.
Al Ali disclosed that Etihad has finalised a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace and will deploy its flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner* on daily flights to Nigeria.
Minister Welcomes Return, Makes Case for Abuja
Keyamo welcomed the announcement and commended the Etihad-Air Peace partnership.
“I saw you signed a very good deal with Air Peace yesterday. That’s very good. 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”, the Minister said.
He described Etihad’s return as a direct result of the Federal Government’s reforms to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector for global investment.
The Minister urged Etihad to include Abuja in its initial rollout.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space available for you in Abuja. So many passengers from Northern Nigeria travelling to the UAE or transiting to Saudi Arabia for Umrah currently have to travel all the way to Lagos. Everyone has been asking for Abuja. If you start Abuja, you will be amazed by the passenger traffic”, he appealed.
FG Sets Up Joint Committee for Smooth Takeoff
To ensure a seamless return, the Minister directed the FAAN Managing Director to provide necessary operational arrangements for Etihad at the temporary terminal in Lagos pending ongoing upgrades.
Kuku assured the delegation that FAAN would create space for the airline despite tight conditions.
The Minister also directed the immediate setup of a joint working committee comprising officials of the Ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways. Both sides agreed to hold a virtual meeting next week to fast-track approvals and operational planning.
The return of Etihad Airways is another milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aviation reform agenda, signaling renewed global confidence in Nigeria and expanding direct connectivity between Nigeria, the UAE and the rest of the world.