The partnership unlocks seamless single-ticket connectivity to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa via Lagos and Accra.
ABU DHABI, July 24, 2026:Etihad Airways has entered into an interline agreement with Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, enabling passengers to travel across 20 domestic and regional destinations in West and Central Africa on a single itinerary.
The partnership allows travelers flying with Etihad to connect through hubs in Lagos and Accra onto Air Peace’s regional route network. The arrangement follows Etihad’s plan, announced earlier this year, to introduce daily non-stop flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos.
Under the new interline framework, passengers will gain access to key Nigerian commercial centers, including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri, and Asaba. The deal also opens onward connections to major West and Central African destinations, including Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala, and Libreville.
“Our ambitions in Africa are long term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them,” said Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways. “This agreement gives our guests access to one of the continent’s most extensive domestic and regional networks. Partnerships like this are how we grow: with strong airlines that know their markets better than anyone.”
The collaboration highlights the increasing trade and diplomatic engagement between the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria, following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the two nations in January 2026. Bilateral travel demand remains strong, driven by business trade links and a significant Nigerian diaspora residing in the UAE.
Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Peace, stated that the cooperation will extend the carrier’s reach beyond regional routes. “Air Peace has always been about opening doors for Nigerian and West African travellers. Working with Etihad Airways extends that ambition, giving our customers convenient access to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s services once the new routes begin, while bringing Etihad’s guests to the many destinations we serve across the region.”
Booking for the combined itineraries will be accessible on Etihad’s official digital booking platforms as the agreement comes into operational effect.
In a separate operational update, Etihad highlighted enhancements to its ground services at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The airline continues to expand its off-airport home check-in service, operated in partnership with Morafiq. The facility allows passengers to complete check-in, receive boarding passes, and drop off luggage from their residence or hotel between 24 and five hours prior to departure.
