…Keyamo Urges UAE Carrier To Add Abuja Route, Hails Air Peace Partnership
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates’ national carrier, has announced plans to return to the Nigerian market in March 2027, a development that boosts the country’s aviation sector as it reconnects Nigeria with its global network.
The airline disclosed the plan on Thursday during a courtesy visit by its top executives to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The Etihad delegation was led by Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International and Government Affairs, Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali. Other members included Senior Vice President, Network, Alliance and Commercial Strategy, Jurriaan Pieter Stelder; Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs, Asma Khalifa Al Mheiri; and Diplomatic Affairs Manager, Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi.
Also present at the meeting were the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Umar Farouk; and other senior officials of the ministry and its agencies.
Speaking during the meeting, Capt. Al Ali formally informed the minister that Etihad was ready to resume operations to Nigeria after years of absence.
“Your Excellency, thank you very much for receiving us. We’ve been very eager to meet you because of the project to start flying to Nigeria. That’s why we’re here to inform you officially now that we are ready to fly to Nigeria. There’s also a lot of push from our Ambassador to commence flights to Abuja. Our plan is to start Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027,” he said.
He revealed that Etihad had already concluded a landmark codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its strategy for the Nigerian market and would operate daily services using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The announcement comes barely a day after both airlines unveiled an interline partnership aimed at expanding connectivity across Nigeria, West Africa and the wider Etihad global network.
Responding, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s decision to return and praised its collaboration with Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace.
“I saw you just 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 planned return as another positive outcome of the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry and attract more international airlines and investment.
While acknowledging the ongoing terminal renovation and expansion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Keyamo urged the airline to also commence flights to Abuja to serve passengers from northern Nigeria.
“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. 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 said.
To ensure a smooth return, the minister directed FAAN to facilitate the necessary operational arrangements for Etihad’s services at Lagos Airport.
In response, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, assured the airline that the authority would provide operational space at the airport’s temporary terminal pending the completion of ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
She acknowledged that available space would be limited but pledged that every effort would be made to accommodate the airline’s operations.
To accelerate the resumption process, Keyamo directed the immediate establishment of a joint working committee comprising officials of the ministry, aviation agencies and Etihad Airways.
The committee is expected to begin engagements through a virtual meeting next week to fast-track regulatory approvals, operational planning and other requirements ahead of the airline’s planned launch.
The return of Etihad Airways is expected to deepen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, provide passengers with additional travel options to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and North America, and further strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector under the Federal Government’s ongoing reform programme.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
