Etihad Airways and Ibom Air sign deal to link Nigerian cities to global network

Etihad Airways and Nigeria’s Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement to connect five Nigerian cities to Etihad’s international network. The partnership, set to take effect in March 2027, will allow passengers to travel from Lagos or Accra to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Enugu using a single ticket and through-checked baggage.

The agreement follows Etihad’s planned expansion into West Africa, with daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos scheduled to begin on March 23, 2027, and four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra starting March 24, 2027. The arrangement also facilitates connections between Accra and cities such as Abuja and Uyo.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, stated that Nigeria is central to the airline’s long-term African expansion strategy. Ibom Air’s Managing Director and CEO, George Uriesi, described the partnership as a significant milestone for the airline’s development.