Ethiopian Airlines expansion in Nigeria

Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria, increasing its total to 53 weekly flights. This expansion includes the introduction of four weekly services to Port Harcourt and increased frequencies to Lagos, which now features up to three daily services, and Kano, which has risen to 11 weekly flights. These additions complement the airline’s existing network in Abuja and Enugu.

Reports indicate that the airline is capturing a significant portion of Nigeria’s outbound international market. While foreign carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and Qatar Airways lead in passenger volume, local Nigerian airlines account for only 6.89 percent of the international market. The airline’s strategy utilizes a multi-point entry model to bypass traditional bottlenecks in Lagos and Abuja, facilitating direct connections to Addis Ababa.

Firiehiwot Mekonnen, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, stated that the increased capacity demonstrates confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and its economic potential. The expansion is expected to support local sectors such as tourism, trade, and ground handling by providing greater connectivity and competitive fares.