Etihad Airways and Ibom Air have signed an interline pact that will connect Etihad travellers to five Nigerian cities on a single ticket. The arrangement will take effect when Etihad launches its Lagos and Accra services in March 2027.
The agreement will allow Etihad guests arriving in Lagos or Accra to continue their journeys on Ibom Air. The Nigerian destinations are Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu. Travellers will also have connections between Accra and Abuja, and Accra and Uyo.
Interline pact expands Etihad’s Nigerian reach
The interline pact means passengers can book the combined journey under one ticket. Their baggage will also be checked through to the final destination, simplifying connections between Etihad’s international network and Ibom Air’s domestic services.
The arrangement adds Uyo and Calabar to the Nigerian destinations available through Etihad’s network. Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu will also become accessible through the agreement. The expanded connectivity is expected to support passengers travelling for business, family visits and tourism.
Etihad’s regional expansion will begin with its new services from Abu Dhabi. The airline will operate a daily service to Lagos from 23 March 2027. It will also operate four weekly flights to Accra from 24 March 2027.
Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the airline’s ambitions in Africa were long-term. He described Nigeria as central to those ambitions and highlighted Ibom Air’s domestic network.
“Our ambitions in Africa are long-term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them,” De said. He added that partnerships with airlines familiar with their markets would help Etihad expand across the continent.
De said having the partnership established before the Lagos and Accra launches would strengthen Etihad’s regional arrival. He noted that Etihad would enter the market already connected to cities beyond its initial destinations.
Ibom Air positions network for international travellers
George Uriesi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, described the interline pact as a significant milestone for the Nigerian carrier.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to becoming a truly world-class African regional airline,” Uriesi said. He said the arrangement would allow international travellers to access Ibom Air’s destinations through a single booking.
Uriesi also said the agreement positions Ibom Air as a key domestic and regional connection for Etihad’s operations into Nigeria and Ghana. He added that the airline looked forward to welcoming Etihad’s guests and showcasing its service.
The partnership reflects how interline arrangements can extend airline networks without requiring every carrier to operate every route itself. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) describes interline relationships as a way for airlines to provide customers with itineraries involving services operated by another carrier.
For passengers, the practical benefit is a more connected journey. One booking can cover multiple airline services, while baggage arrangements can be handled across connecting flights.
Tickets combining the Etihad and Ibom Air networks will go on sale from 3 November. The airlines said the combined itineraries will be available ahead of the launch of Etihad’s Lagos and Accra services in March 2027.
The development strengthens Ibom Air’s role as a connector within Nigeria’s domestic market. Meanwhile, Etihad gains access to additional Nigerian destinations through a single commercial arrangement.
