Etihad Airways. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghana's Africa World Airlines (AWA), paving the way for a broad strategic partnership that will strengthen connectivity between West Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and destinations across the globe.
Just last week, the airline inked an important interline deal with Air Peace, connecting travelers to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa.
The new agreement covers codeshare and interline services, cargo operations, and frequent flyer cooperation. It comes as Etihad prepares to launch its own Abu Dhabi–Accra route on March 24, 2027.
Under the partnership, travelers will be able to book single-ticket journeys that combine Etihad's global network with Africa World Airlines' extensive presence across West Africa. The arrangement will allow Etihad passengers arriving in Accra to continue seamlessly to destinations including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja, and Ouagadougou.
At the same time, Africa World Airlines customers will gain easier access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections to Etihad's network of 118 destinations spanning the Middle East, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.
The collaboration extends beyond passenger travel. Both carriers intend to work together on cargo services, offering Ghanaian and West African exporters access to Etihad Cargo's global logistics capabilities. Frequent flyer partnerships are also planned, enabling members of both airlines' loyalty programs to earn and redeem rewards across the two networks.
The timing of the agreement reflects growing ties between Ghana and the UAE, with increasing trade, investment, and government cooperation contributing to higher travel demand between the two countries.
Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, described Ghana as one of the region's most promising aviation markets.
"Ghana is one of West Africa's most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there," De said. "This framework spans passenger services, cargo and loyalty, and it will connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and to our network across the world's fastest-growing markets."
Africa World Airlines Chief Operating Officer Sohail Mahmood: "This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger, cargo and loyalty will give our customers a direct line to Abu Dhabi's expansive network, while supporting greater opportunities for Ghanaian travelers and international businesses," Mahmood said.
The Memorandum of Understanding takes effect immediately, although the individual elements, including interline, codeshare, cargo, and loyalty initiatives, will be rolled out in phases over the coming months.
Once implemented, the partnership is expected to strengthen Ghana's role as a gateway to West Africa while expanding Etihad's footprint on the continent ahead of its highly anticipated Accra service launch next year.