Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace and Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity between the UAE and West Africa and Central Africa, allowing passengers to book single-ticket journeys across both airlines’ networks.
The partnership agreement announced on Thursday, July 23, will enable passengers to travel on a single ticket between Etihad’s international network and over 20 destinations on Air Peace’s network across Nigeria, West and Central Africa.
According to a statement by Etihad Airways, under the agreement, Etihad passengers will be able to fly into Lagos and Accra and also connect to other Nigerian cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri and Asaba.
It also stated that the agreement gives passengers access to other regional destinations across West and Central Africa, which include Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala and Libreville.
On its part, Air Peace said the agreement will give its passengers “seamless access” to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s proposed Lagos and Accra flight operations once it begins.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the agreement, Etihad said Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, noting that business between the UAE and Nigeria has accelerated since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in January 2026. It added that a fast-growing Nigerian community lives and works across the UAE.
The airline further stated that the partnership supports the African expansion announced in April, which includes a daily service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos. “Once those flights begin, guests will be able to book journeys through Abu Dhabi and continue onward on Air Peace’s network across Nigeria and West Africa,” the statement added.
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It quoted Etihad Airways Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, saying that Nigeria is central to the airline’s long-term ambitions in Africa, and partnerships like this are key to their growth strategy.
“Our ambitions in Africa are long-term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them. 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,” Arik De stated.
Commenting on the partnership, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, emphasized that it aims to open doors for Nigerian and West African travellers.
“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. We look forward to welcoming travellers from both networks,” Ngala stated.
Etihad said the combined itineraries will be available for booking through both airlines’ official websites once the agreement takes effect
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X