Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken fresh steps to strengthen bilateral aviation relations following high-level discussions between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the leadership of Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi.
Keyamo, who disclosed the outcome of the meeting in a post on Friday, said the discussions centred on preparations for the commencement of Etihad Airways’ daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos service, scheduled to begin on March 18, 2027, as well as broader areas of cooperation between both countries.
According to the minister, the engagement also explored opportunities to deepen collaboration beyond passenger services.
“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.”
He added: “Our discussions focused on the final steps towards the commencement of Etihad’s daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos service from March 18, 2027, and, importantly, on how we can build a broader strategic partnership around connectivity, investment, training, technology and cargo.”
As part of his official visit, Keyamo toured Etihad Aviation Training and the Zayed International Airport to examine the UAE’s aviation infrastructure and identify areas that could enhance Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister said the visit was aimed at exploring opportunities for capacity building and learning from Abu Dhabi’s globally recognised aviation ecosystem.
“I also visited Etihad Aviation Training and Zayed International Airport to explore opportunities for capacity building and import other ideas from Abu Dhabi’s world-class aviation ecosystem,” he stated.
The planned launch of Etihad’s daily Lagos-Abu Dhabi route is expected to improve air connectivity between Nigeria and the UAE while opening new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and aviation development.