UAE-Ghana travel: Etihad signs strategic alliance with Africa World Airlines ahead of Accra route launch
Cargo and loyalty cooperataion included in phased agreement
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways and Ghana-based Africa World Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership covering passenger services, cargo operations and frequent flyer programmes, strengthening connectivity between West Africa, Abu Dhabi and destinations around the world.
The agreement, signed in Accra, creates a framework for codeshare and interline cooperation that will allow both airlines to connect their networks. Once introduced, travellers will be able to book single-ticket journeys from Abu Dhabi through Accra to destinations across Ghana and West Africa served by Africa World Airlines.
The partnership comes as trade, investment and government engagement between Ghana and the UAE continue to grow, alongside rising passenger demand between the two countries.
How will it benefit customers?
Under the planned arrangement, Etihad customers will gain seamless access beyond Accra to Africa World Airlines' network, while passengers travelling with the Ghanaian carrier will be able to connect through Abu Dhabi to Etihad's global network of 118 destinations.
The agreement will be implemented in stages following its entry into effect on 24 July 2026. Combined journeys will become available for booking once the interline element of the partnership is activated.
The collaboration also supports Etihad's planned launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra on 24 March 2027, laying the groundwork for stronger commercial ties between the two airlines.
Cargo links
Beyond passenger travel, the airlines also intend to work together on cargo operations, giving Ghanaian and West African exporters access to Etihad Cargo's worldwide network and capacity.
The agreement additionally includes plans to cooperate on frequent flyer programmes, allowing members of both airlines' loyalty schemes to earn and redeem rewards across a broader network once the initiative is introduced.
Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, described Ghana as one of West Africa's most dynamic aviation markets and said Africa World Airlines was the airline's natural partner in the country.
He said the partnership would connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses with Abu Dhabi and Etihad's network across some of the world's fastest-growing markets, while supporting the airline's long-term growth in Ghana.
Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, said the carrier has spent more than a decade connecting Ghana and West Africa through destinations including Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou.
He said the partnership across passenger services, cargo and loyalty would provide customers with direct access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad's extensive international network, while creating greater opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and businesses operating across global markets.