UAE-Nigeria travel: Etihad plans to launch daily Abu Dhabi-Lagos flights from March 2027
Aviation minister visits Etihad training centre and Zayed International Airport
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways is set to begin daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos from March 18, 2027, as Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates move to deepen cooperation in aviation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the planned service following high-level discussions with Etihad Airways’ leadership during his official visit to Abu Dhabi.
The talks focused on the final preparations for the airline’s daily Abu Dhabi-Lagos service, alongside plans to broaden aviation cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE.
Keyamo said the discussions went beyond passenger connectivity, with both sides exploring a wider strategic partnership covering investment, training, technology, connectivity and cargo.
UAE-Nigeria travel
The minister described the planned route as part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria-UAE aviation relations and create new opportunities for cooperation across the industry.
The discussions also examined ways to develop collaboration beyond scheduled passenger services, including areas that could support Nigeria’s aviation capacity and infrastructure.
Today in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, I had the privilege of engaging the leadership of Etihad Airways on the next chapter of Nigeria–UAE aviation relations.
— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) August 20, 2026
Our discussions focused on the final steps towards the commencement of Etihad’s daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos service… pic.twitter.com/YIXG5EXTl5
Keyamo said the engagement with Etihad was focused on the “next chapter” of Nigeria-UAE aviation relations, with the upcoming service forming an important part of the countries’ expanding connectivity.
The daily operation is expected to provide travellers with a direct link between Lagos and Abu Dhabi, while also strengthening access between Nigeria and the UAE.
Aviation training
During his visit, Keyamo toured Etihad Aviation Training to examine opportunities for capacity building and gain insights from the UAE’s aviation sector.
He also visited Zayed International Airport, where he assessed aviation infrastructure and explored areas where Nigeria could draw on Abu Dhabi’s experience.
The minister said the visits were intended to identify opportunities for capacity building and to bring relevant ideas from Abu Dhabi’s aviation ecosystem into Nigeria’s sector.
The planned service comes as both countries look to expand cooperation across connectivity, investment, training, technology and cargo, with the March 18, 2027 launch date marking the next scheduled step in the aviation relationship.