Dubai and West Africa gain smoother air access under Emirates-Air Peace deal
New gateways in Gambia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Liberia added
DUBAI – Emirates and Air Peace have activated a bilateral interline agreement, strengthening air links between Africa, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
The move builds on an existing partnership between the Dubai-based carrier, the world’s largest international airline, and West Africa’s largest airline. The agreement is designed to improve travel connectivity, comfort and network reach for passengers across both airlines.
The arrangement allows customers to travel on a single ticket with through-checked baggage on select routes, reducing transit complexity and offering a more seamless journey experience. Travellers from multiple points in West and Central Africa can now connect more easily to Emirates’ global network through key regional hubs.
Emirates-AirPeace deal
In addition to the 13 Nigerian cities already available to Emirates passengers via Air Peace’s network, the expanded agreement introduces new connection points across West Africa. Travellers can now reach Banjul in The Gambia and Dakar in Senegal via Abidjan. Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia are also added, with access via Accra.
These additional gateways give more passengers in Africa the opportunity to connect to Emirates’ long-haul services and onboard offering. The development also strengthens regional integration by linking secondary African cities more efficiently to intercontinental routes.
Air Peace, in turn, gains broader access into Emirates’ Dubai hub, connecting its regional network to major international destinations. These include London Heathrow, London Gatwick and London Stansted, alongside key African points such as Abidjan, Accra and Lagos. The expanded connectivity comes amid sustained demand for travel between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, offering passengers more flexibility and route options.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said enhancing the interline partnership expands the airline’s footprint across Africa while creating new opportunities for travellers to connect through Lagos. He added that the collaboration supports Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors, while also enabling international visitors to explore more destinations within the region.
Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, described the agreement as a major step in the airline’s strategy to connect Africa more efficiently with global markets. He said the combination of Air Peace’s regional presence and Emirates’ international network delivers improved connectivity, a smoother travel experience and wider access to key destinations worldwide. The partnership also reinforces Air Peace’s role in linking Africa with the broader global aviation network.
Onboard experience
Emirates operates a Boeing 777-300ER on its Dubai–Lagos service, offering multiple cabin classes including First Class. It is one of only two airlines operating a First Class cabin into Nigeria. Passengers can access regionally inspired multi-course meals created by a team of chefs, alongside a wide range of beverages. The airline’s ice inflight entertainment system provides more than 6,500 channels of content, including Nollywood films.
Air Peace operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, Boeing 737s and Embraer aircraft. Its network spans domestic, regional and international routes, connecting cities across Africa and beyond. The airline continues to focus on strengthening intra-African connectivity, supporting trade and tourism, and contributing to economic development across the continent.
Tickets under the interline arrangement are available through emirates.com, flyairpeace.com and travel agents.