Ethiopian Airlines Expands Nigeria Operations, Adds Port Harcourt Flights

Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria with increased 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 new expansion plan, the airline has increased its Lagos operations to 21 weekly flights, offering passengers up to three services daily.

The carrier has also increased its flights to Kano by four, bringing the total number of weekly services to the city to 11.

In addition, Ethiopian Airlines will commence four weekly flights to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, complementing its existing services to Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu.

With the addition of Port Harcourt to its network, the airline will operate a total of 53 weekly flights to Nigeria.

The General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said the expansion reflected the airline’s confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and the country’s broader economic potential.

“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.

She added that the expansion would extend beyond improved passenger convenience, noting that increased air connectivity would support tourism, trade, investment and employment opportunities in Nigeria.

According to her, additional flights would generate economic activity across several segments of the aviation and hospitality industries.

“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 said.

The airline’s expanded network is expected to provide passengers in southern Nigeria, particularly those in the Port Harcourt area, with greater access to Ethiopian Airlines’ regional and international network.

The move also underscores the carrier’s continued investment in Nigeria and its strategy of expanding connectivity between the country and destinations across Africa and beyond.