Neos Airline, the Italian flag carrier, will begin direct flights between Lagos, Nigeria, and Milan, Italy, starting on October 30, 2024. The service will initially operate once weekly for the first month and increase to three weekly flights by the second month, using a Boeing 787-8.
The announcement was made at a launch event in Lagos by Sky Master, the airline’s handling partner in Nigeria. This new route is expected to strengthen ties between Nigeria and Italy, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Sky Master Managing Director, Princewill Ogbonna, highlighted the flexibility of the service, noting that adjustments can be made to accommodate specific groups, such as arranging direct routes to Rome via Milan for organizations like the Christian Association of Nigeria.
Ogbonna also praised Nigeria’s current administration under President Bola Tinubu for promoting foreign investment and facilitating smooth entry for international carriers, emphasizing that Neos’ entry into the Nigerian market is a testament to this effort. He also pointed out the high number of Nigerian travelers on similar routes, showing the demand for this service.
The Italian Consul General in Nigeria, Ugo Boni, expressed excitement over the development, calling the direct Lagos-Milan flight long overdue. Nigerian authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also applauded the move, citing it as an essential step toward bolstering bilateral ties and opening up more opportunities for trade and tourism between the two countries.
With this expansion, Neos will join other international airlines currently servicing Nigeria, providing travelers with more options and contributing to Nigeria’s growing aviation industry.
