Etihad Airways is preparing to resume flights to Nigeria, with Lagos services expected by late March 2027. However, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo is urging the airline to consider Abuja alongside its Lagos return, citing saturation and ongoing terminal works at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The development followed a high-level meeting between Keyamo and senior Etihad executives in Abuja. The airline formally confirmed its intention to resume flights, while the Federal Government used the meeting to make a strategic case for Abuja’s inclusion in its Nigerian network.
According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the proposed Lagos operation comes as authorities continue managing capacity challenges and infrastructure upgrades at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Etihad Airways to Resume Flights as Keyamo Pushes Abuja
Speaking during the meeting, Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, leader of the Etihad delegation, officially informed Keyamo that the airline is ready to resume flights to Nigeria. He also disclosed that there has been strong encouragement for Etihad to commence operations in Abuja.
“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,” Al Ali said.
He confirmed that Etihad plans to resume flights into Lagos between March 24 and 27, 2027. In addition, the airline has concluded a codeshare agreement with Air Peace as part of its strategy for the Nigerian market.
Etihad is expected to deploy its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Lagos route, with daily services planned. Therefore, the return could strengthen direct connectivity between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates while giving passengers wider access to the airline’s international network.
However, Keyamo urged Etihad to consider Abuja because of saturation at Lagos airport, and the ongoing renovation and expansion works affecting its facilities.
“Lagos is saturated, but we want to make all the space and everything available for you in Abuja,” Keyamo told the delegation.
The Minister explained that Abuja could serve a significant passenger market, particularly travellers from northern Nigeria heading to the UAE or connecting towards Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
“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,” he said.
Keyamo therefore urged Etihad to include Abuja in its plans, saying the airline could discover substantial demand from the Federal Capital and surrounding regions.
“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 added.
The Minister’s appeal also reflects the practical challenges surrounding the Lagos return. With terminal renovation and expansion works continuing, Keyamo directed the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, to facilitate arrangements for Etihad’s operations.
Kuku assured the delegation that FAAN would create operational space for Etihad at the temporary terminal in Lagos. She acknowledged that space would be tight but said every effort would be made to accommodate the airline while infrastructure upgrades continue.
To help Etihad resume flights without unnecessary delays, Keyamo directed the immediate establishment of a joint working committee. The committee will include officials from the Ministry, relevant aviation agencies and Etihad Airways.
Both parties agreed to begin virtual engagements as early as the following week. The discussions are expected to address regulatory approvals, operational planning and other requirements needed for the airline to resume flights.
Keyamo also welcomed Etihad’s codeshare agreement with Air Peace, describing the Nigerian carrier as a trusted and reliable airline.
“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,” he stated.
Etihad’s decision to resume flights to Lagos, alongside the Federal Government’s push for Abuja services, could reshape Nigeria’s international connectivity. The development could also ease pressure on Lagos while creating a stronger aviation link between Abuja, the UAE and key international destinations.
The move further highlights the government’s efforts to attract international airlines and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive aviation market. If Etihad eventually adds Abuja to its Lagos operation, passengers could benefit from greater choice and improved access to international connections.
The Etihad delegation was led by Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International & Government Affairs. Other members included Jurriaan Pieter Stelder, Senior Vice President, Network, Alliance & Commercial Strategy; Asma Khalifa Al Mheiri, Head of Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs; and Mouza Khadem Al Ghaithi, Diplomatic Affairs Manager.
The meeting was also attended by NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Najomo, FAAN Managing Director Mrs Olubunmi Kuku and NAMA Managing Director Engr. Umar Farouk. Other senior officials from the Ministry and its aviation agencies also participated in the meeting.
