Nigeria, UAE Deepen Aviation Ties Ahead Of Etihad’s Lagos Return
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are strengthening their aviation and economic ties ahead of Etihad Airways’ planned resumption of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos in March 2027.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known following a recent working visit to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE Government and Etihad Airways.
Etihad is scheduled to commence daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos services on March 18, 2027, as part of six new African routes announced by the airline under its continental expansion programme.
During the visit, Keyamo held discussions with senior executives of Etihad Airways Group at the airline’s headquarters. The meeting focused on completing the administrative requirements for the commencement of the Lagos service and exploring opportunities for a broader strategic partnership between Nigeria and the airline.
The minister was received by senior Etihad officials led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and International Government Affairs.
Keyamo also toured the Etihad Aviation Training (EAT) facility, where he examined the airline’s advanced training infrastructure and discussed possible areas of cooperation in pilot and cabin-crew training, curriculum development and capacity building for Nigerian aviation institutions.
The facility operates 11 full-flight simulators covering Airbus and Boeing aircraft, as well as other advanced training equipment used for training pilots, cabin crew and airport personnel.
The minister further visited Zayed International Airport to assess its operational systems, passenger experience, technology and integrated aviation infrastructure.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Nigeria to examine practices that could support ongoing efforts to improve airport efficiency, digitalisation, passenger experience and infrastructure development in the country.
Beyond the planned Lagos-Abu Dhabi route, the growing relationship with Etihad is expected to create opportunities for increased trade, investment, tourism and cargo connectivity between Nigeria, the UAE and other international markets.
Etihad has identified cargo connectivity as particularly important to sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Potential areas of expanded cooperation include aviation training and human-capital development, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), engineering, cargo and logistics, airport development, technology, airline partnerships, tourism and private-sector investment in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Keyamo stressed the importance of ensuring that Etihad’s return to the Nigerian market goes beyond the resumption of flights and becomes the foundation for a long-term partnership that delivers value to both countries.
The Federal Government said the engagement reflects its broader efforts to use aviation as a tool for economic diplomacy, investment mobilisation, skills development and national economic growth.
With Etihad expected to reconnect Abu Dhabi and Lagos daily from March 2027, the renewed partnership could further strengthen Lagos’ position as a gateway linking West and Central Africa with the wider global economy.
