Etihad Airways and Nigerian carrier Ibom Air have signed an interline agreement expanding travel options for passengers travelling beyond Lagos and Accra to five Nigerian cities on a single ticket.

From March 2027, Etihad passengers arriving in Lagos or Accra will be able to connect through Ibom Air to Abuja, Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Enugu.

Connections will also be available between Accra and Abuja and between Accra and Uyo, with baggage checked through to passengers’ final destinations.

The agreement expands access to southern Nigerian destinations, including Uyo and Calabar, alongside Abuja, Port Harcourt and Enugu, supporting travel for business, family visits and tourism.

Etihad will launch daily nonstop services from Abu Dhabi to Lagos on 23 March 2027, followed by four weekly flights to Accra from 24 March 2027.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “Our ambitions in Africa are long-term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them. 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. 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.”

George Uriesi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, said: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to becoming a truly world-class African regional airline. It enables international travellers to access the cities we serve through a single booking, enhancing connectivity and convenience. Additionally, it positions Ibom Air as the key domestic and regional connection for Etihad Airways’ operations into Nigeria and Ghana from next year. We look forward to welcoming Etihad’s guests onboard and showcasing the excellent service that defines the Ibom Air experience.” -TradeArabia News Service