The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has revealed that the planned daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos route by the Etihad Airways resumes from March 18, 2027.
This,he said, was one of six new African routes announced by the airline as part of its continental expansion.
Keyamo noted that Etihad has identified the new services as important to strengthening trade, investment, tourism and cargo flows between Africa and global markets.
The minister disclosed this Thursday when he undertook a strategic working visit to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates and Etihad Airways, signaling the deepening aviation and economic partnership between Nigeria and the UAE.
Keyamo was received at Etihad Airways Group Headquarters by senior executives led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and International Government Affairs.
Discussions with Etihad’s senior leadership focused on the final administrative steps required for the commencement of the Lagos service and on developing a sustainable, mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Nigeria and the airline.
Keyamo in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, stressed that Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), operates 11 full-flight simulators covering Airbus and Boeing aircraft, alongside other advanced training devices, and provides training solutions for pilots, cabin crew and airport personnel.
A major highlight of the visit was the minister’s tour of EAT, where he examined the airline’s advanced aviation training infrastructure and explored opportunities for cooperation in pilot and cabin-crew training, curriculum development and capacity building for Nigerian aviation institutions.
The minister also undertook a comprehensive tour of Zayed International Airport, gaining first-hand insight into its operational systems, passenger experience, technology and integrated aviation infrastructure.
The engagement provided an opportunity to examine practices that could inform Nigeria’s continuing efforts to enhance airport efficiency, digitalisation, passenger experience and infrastructure development.
Keyamo emphasised that the strategic significance of the visit extends beyond the planned Lagos–Abu Dhabi route.
With Etihad’s expanding network and its growing connectivity across Africa, Asia and beyond, the new service has the potential to position Lagos as a stronger gateway between West and Central Africa and the wider global economy.
Etihad has also highlighted the importance of cargo connectivity to sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and infrastructure.
Areas of potential deeper cooperation include aviation training and human-capital development, MRO and engineering, cargo and logistics, airport development, technology, airline partnerships, tourism and wider private-sector investment in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Keyamo said the importance of ensuring that Etihad’s return to the Nigerian market becomes the foundation for a broader and enduring partnership capable of generating value for both countries.