The agreement with Air Peace establishes an interline partnership connecting the networks of the two carriers. It will provide Etihad passengers with access to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa.
Under the agreement, passengers will be able to travel on a single ticket beyond Lagos and Accra through Air Peace’s domestic and regional network. Nigerian destinations covered by the agreement include Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri and Asaba. Digitaltravel documents
The wider regional network includes Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala and Libreville.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies. Business links between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates have increased following the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in January 2026, while a growing Nigerian community lives and works across the Emirates.
The Air Peace partnership also supports Etihad’s African expansion plans announced in April 2026. These plans include the introduction of a daily service between Abu Dhabi and Lagos.
Once the flights begin, passengers will be able to book journeys through Abu Dhabi and continue across Nigeria and West Africa through Air Peace’s network.
Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Our ambitions in Africa are long term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them. This agreement gives our guests access to one of the continent’s most extensive domestic and regional networks. Partnerships like this are how we grow: with strong airlines that know their markets better than anyone.”
Nowel Ngala, Chief Commercial Officer at Air Peace, said: “Air Peace has always been about opening doors for Nigerian and West African travellers. Working with Etihad Airways extends that ambition, giving our customers convenient access to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s services once the new routes begin, while bringing Etihad’s guests to the many destinations we serve across the region. We look forward to we lcoming travellers from both networks.”
Combined journeys will become available for booking through Etihad’s website once the interline agreement takes effect.
Etihad has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa World Airlines, an Accra-based carrier serving Ghana and the wider West African region. The agreement establishes a framework covering codeshare and interline cooperation, cargo operations and frequent flyer programmes.
Once implemented, the partnership will allow Etihad passengers to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra through Africa World Airlines’ network across Ghana and West Africa. Africa World Airlines passengers will also gain access to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s network of 118 destinations. Digitaltravel documents
The proposed cooperation extends beyond passenger services. The airlines plan to collaborate on cargo operations, connecting Ghanaian and West African exporters with Etihad Cargo capacity across its global network
The carriers also intend to link their loyalty programmes, providing members with additional opportunities to earn and redeem benefits.
The agreement follows increasing trade, investment and government engagement between Ghana and the UAE. Passenger travel between Accra and the UAE has also increased as commercial relations between the two countries have developed.
The Memorandum of Understanding took effect on 24 July 2026. The different areas of cooperation will be introduced in stages.
The partnership also supports Etihad’s planned Abu Dhabi–Accra service, which is scheduled to begin on 24 March 2027. Combined journeys will become available once the interline component of the agreement takes effect.
Arik De said: “Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there. This framework spans passenger services, cargo and loyalty, and it will connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and to our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana.”
Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer at Africa World Airlines, said: “Africa World Airlines has proudly connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade, with a network that includes,Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou.This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger,cargo and loyalty will give our customers a direct line to Abu Dhabi expansive network, while supporting greater opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and International businesses.”
Further details concerning the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements will be announced as each area of cooperation is implemented.
Tags: Nowel Ngala, Air Peace Sohail Mahmood, Africa World Airlines Arik De, Etihad Airways
cargo and loyalty arrangements will be announced as each area of cooperation is implemented
