Starting March: Etihad Expands Network with Five Nigerian Cities

Etihad Airways is expanding its reach across Nigeria through a new interline agreement with Ibom Air, allowing passengers arriving on Etihad flights to continue to five Nigerian cities on a single ticket.

The agreement will take effect when Etihad launches its new services to Lagos and Accra in March 2027. Passengers arriving in Lagos or Accra will be able to connect onto Ibom Air flights to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu.

Abuja, Nigeria/ Photo: Tayvay / Shutterstock.com

The arrangement will also provide connections from Accra to Abuja and Uyo. Passengers will make the journey under one booking, while their checked baggage can be sent through to their final destination.

Idanre Hill, Nigeria. Photo: Shutterstock

The agreement adds Uyo and Calabar to the Nigerian cities that will be accessible through Etihad's network, alongside Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu. The expanded connections are expected to serve passengers traveling for business, family visits and leisure.

Etihad plans to begin its nonstop services to the region next year. Daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos are scheduled to start on March 23, 2027, followed by four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra from March 24.

Etihad Airways. Photo: Miguel Lagoa / Shutterstock.com

Arik De, Etihad Airways' Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the airline sees Nigeria as an important part of its long-term plans in Africa. He also highlighted Ibom Air's domestic network as an important link to cities beyond Lagos and Accra.

Ibom Air CEO George Uriesi said the agreement will allow international passengers to reach the airline's destinations through a single booking and strengthen its role as a domestic and regional partner for Etihad's operations in Nigeria and Ghana.

Tickets combining the two airlines' networks are scheduled to go on sale from November 3.

The partnership gives Etihad access to a broader range of Nigerian destinations from the start of its new West African services, while Ibom Air gains an international airline partner connecting its network with Abu Dhabi and Etihad's wider route map.