Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced a landmark interline agreement with Nigerian airline Ibom Air, significantly expanding connectivity between the Middle East and West Africa. The partnership, unveiled ahead of Etihad’s upcoming expansion into the region, will allow passengers to travel seamlessly from Abu Dhabi to five major Nigerian cities on a single ticket.
The agreement comes into effect as Etihad prepares to launch its own direct services to Lagos and Accra in March 2027. Under the terms of the deal, travellers arriving at either Lagos or Accra will benefit from integrated connections to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu. Beyond these domestic Nigerian routes, the partnership also facilitates direct links between Accra and both Abuja and Uyo.
Crucially for passengers, the arrangement provides a streamlined travel experience; a single booking will cover the entire itinerary, and luggage will be checked through from the point of origin directly to the final destination. This convenience is expected to be a major draw for both business travellers and those visiting family, offering a simplified route into Nigeria’s heartland.
Etihad’s strategic expansion into the region is set for late March 2027, with a daily service to Lagos scheduled to commence on March 23, followed by a four-flights-per-week service to Accra on March 24.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, emphasized the long-term vision behind the partnership. “Our ambitions in Africa are long-term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them,” said De. “Ibom Air has built a strong domestic network from its base in Uyo, and partnerships with airlines that know their own markets are how we grow on the continent. Having this in place before our Accra and Lagos flights begin next March means we arrive in the region already connected to the cities beyond them.”
The agreement is equally transformative for the Nigerian carrier. George Uriesi, Managing Director and CEO of Ibom Air, noted that the collaboration marks a vital step in the airline’s evolution. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to becoming a truly world-class African regional airline,” Uriesi stated. “It enables international travellers to access the cities we serve through a single booking, enhancing connectivity and convenience. Additionally, it positions Ibom Air as the key domestic and regional connection for Etihad Airways’ operations into Nigeria and Ghana.”
The integration of the two networks is poised to boost tourism and trade between the UAE and Nigeria. For travellers planning their future itineraries, tickets combining the Etihad and Ibom Air networks will be available for purchase starting November 3. Prospective passengers can find further information and booking details at etihad.com.
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