Ejiro Efenudu
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, has unveiled plans to expand its operations at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The strategic move will see an increase in weekly flight frequencies, deployment of larger aircraft, and the introduction of enhanced service packages for business and leisure travelers.
The announcement comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to boost its aviation profile and position itself as a central gateway for regional and international travel.
Nigeria: A Priority Market for Ethiopian Airlines
Nigeria’s Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Mrs Firiehiwot Mekonnen, says the airline will add extra flights to Abuja from October 28.
According to the airline, Abuja’s rising passenger demand and central role as Nigeria’s administrative and diplomatic capital made the expansion an inevitable decision.
“Our decision to scale up Abuja operations reflects Ethiopia’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Nigeria is not just a market to us, it is a partner in Africa’s growth. We already serve Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Abuja, but with Abuja emerging as a top business and diplomatic hub, it deserves a stronger presence. This expansion will connect Abuja to more than 120 global destinations via Addis Ababa, while creating smoother, faster, and more convenient travel experiences.”
Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates 14 weekly flights into Nigeria across four airports, making it one of the most active international airlines in the country. The additional Abuja flights are expected to bring this number to over 20 weekly frequencies by early 2026.
Benefits for Abuja’s Economy and Diplomacy
Industry watchers say the Abuja expansion will provide a major boost to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As home to Nigeria’s government ministries, diplomatic missions, multinational companies, and international agencies, Abuja generates a steady stream of travelers requiring direct, reliable connections to the rest of the world.
“Abuja has been underserved compared to Lagos in terms of flight frequencies and global connectivity,” explained aviation analyst Dr. Amina Bello. “Ethiopian Airlines is filling that gap, and this could make Abuja a more competitive hub in West Africa. The multiplier effect on tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations cannot be overstated.”
Government officials also view the expansion as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector. A senior official at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) described it as “a demonstration of trust in Nigeria’s regulatory environment and passenger market.”
“This expansion reflects Nigeria’s aviation growth potential. We are committed to ensuring smooth operations for Ethiopian Airlines and other international carriers who choose to invest in our market,” the official said.
Improved Travel Options for Passengers
The airline confirmed that its upgraded Abuja operations will feature state-of-the-art aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB, both of which are known for fuel efficiency, larger cabin space, and enhanced passenger comfort.
Passengers flying from Abuja will enjoy;
- More daily flight options to Addis Ababa and onward to Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
- Shorter layovers in Addis Ababa, reducing total travel time for connections.
- Competitive fares driven by increased capacity and wider scheduling flexibility.
- Improved cargo services, supporting Nigerian businesses involved in exports such as agricultural produce, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
- Frequent flyers and travel agencies have already welcomed the development.
“I often had to go through Lagos or Accra to connect international flights,” said James Okonkwo, a Nigerian businessman based in Abuja. “With Ethiopian Airlines scaling up in Abuja, I can now save both time and money. It’s a very practical relief for people in northern and central Nigeria.”
Regional and Continental Impact
The Abuja expansion is not just about Nigeria. Aviation experts argue that it is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to consolidate its dominance in African aviation and increase passenger traffic across major regional hubs.
By leveraging Abuja’s geographic advantage, the airline could turn the city into a key transit hub for West Africa, competing directly with airports in Accra, Abidjan, and Dakar.
“Ethiopian Airlines is executing a well-thought-out plan to outpace Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines in connecting Africa to the world,” said Ghanaian aviation consultant, Kwame Mensah. “Expanding into Abuja is strategic — it strengthens their West African presence while maintaining Addis Ababa as the primary continental gateway.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Between Nigeria and Ethiopia
Beyond aviation, the move carries diplomatic weight. Nigeria and Ethiopia have shared close ties for decades, particularly in the areas of trade, aviation, and African Union (AU) cooperation. The expansion complements recent discussions between both governments on bilateral trade and tourism development.
The Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hiwot Debebe, noted that the airline’s stronger presence would further bridge the people-to-people relationship between both nations.
“Air transport is a bridge of friendship. With more Ethiopian Airlines flights, Nigerians and Ethiopians can travel, do business, and exchange cultures more easily. This is good not just for commerce, but also for unity on the continent.”
Looking Ahead
The expanded Abuja operations are expected to roll out in phases beginning October 2025, with additional frequencies projected for early 2026. Ethiopian Airlines also hinted at exploring code-sharing agreements with Nigerian domestic carriers to improve last-mile connectivity within the country.
As Nigeria continues to push its aviation reforms and upgrade airport infrastructure, industry stakeholders believe Ethiopian Airlines’ decision could trigger similar expansions by other international airlines.
For now, passengers and businesses in Abuja are set to reap immediate benefits, while the development cements Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation as a trailblazer in African aviation.
