Nigeria, UAE deepen ties ahead Etihad’s March flight resumption

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently undertook a working visit to Abu Dhabi, at the invitation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Etihad Airways, signalling the deepening aviation and economic partnership between both countries.

The visit comes ahead of Etihad’s planned daily Abu Dhabi–Lagos service from March 18, 2027, one of six new African routes announced by the airline as part of its continental expansion. Etihad has identified the new services as important to strengthening trade, investment, tourism and cargo flows between Africa and global markets.

The minister was received at Etihad Airways Group Headquarters by senior executives led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical and International Government Affairs.

Discussions with Etihad’s senior leadership focused on the final administrative steps required for the commencement of the Lagos service and on developing a sustainable, mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Nigeria and the airline.

A major highlight of the visit was the minister’s tour of Etihad Aviation Training (EAT), where he examined the airline’s advanced aviation training infrastructure and explored opportunities for cooperation in pilot and cabin-crew training, curriculum development and capacity building for Nigerian aviation institutions.

EAT operates 11 full-flight simulators covering Airbus and Boeing aircraft, alongside other advanced training devices, and provides training solutions for pilots, cabin crew and airport personnel.

The minister also undertook a tour of Zayed International Airport, gaining first-hand insight into its operational systems, passenger experience, technology and integrated aviation infrastructure.

The engagement provided an…