Etihad, Ibom Air sign deal to connect five Nigerian cities

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement to connect passengers travelling with Etihad beyond Lagos and Accra to five Nigerian cities on a single ticket.

The agreement will take effect when Etihad begins its services to Lagos and Accra in March 2027, a statement by Ibom Air explained.

Under the deal, Etihad passengers arriving in Lagos or Accra will be able to connect to Ibom Air flights to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu.

Passengers will also be able to travel between Accra and Abuja, as well as Accra and Uyo, under the agreement.

“One booking will cover the entire journey, with bags checked through to the final destination,” the statement reads.

“Uyo and Calabar in the south join Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu on the list of Nigerian cities available on a single ticket with Etihad, whether guests are travelling for business, to see family or to see the country.

“Etihad’s nonstop service from Abu Dhabi to the region begins next year, with four flights a week to Accra from 24 March 2027 and a daily service to Lagos from 23 March 2027.”

Etihad chief revenue and commercial officer, Arik De, said the airline’s expansion into Africa is a long-term strategy, with Nigeria playing a central role.

“Ibom Air has built a strong domestic network from its base in Uyo, and partnerships with airlines that know their own markets are how we grow on the continent,” De said.

“Having this in place before our Accra and Lagos flights begin next March means we arrive in the region already connected to the cities beyond them.”

Managing Director and CEO of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, said the agreement marked a significant milestone in the airline’s growth as a regional carrier.

He said the deal would enable international passengers to access cities served by Ibom Air through a single booking.

“Additionally, it positions Ibom Air as the key domestic and regional connection for Etihad Airways’ operations into Nigeria and Ghana from next year,” the CEO said.

Uriesi said the airline looks forward to welcoming Etihad passengers and providing them with the service “that defines the Ibom Air experience”.