Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria with the launch of a second daily Lagos–Addis Ababa flight, bringing its total weekly frequencies in the country to 31—the highest among foreign carriers operating in Nigeria. The new Boeing 737 Max service, which landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) with 147 passengers, strengthens Lagos’ growing status as a regional aviation hub.
The flight was received by Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who led a Federal Government delegation to welcome the airline’s latest expansion. He praised Ethiopian Airlines for its consistency, commitment, and support for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“For us in the Ministry of Aviation, our dream is to see Lagos become a hub,” Dr. Kana stated. “We didn’t hesitate to approve Ethiopian’s request because it’s not just a foreign airline—it’s our airline. Nigeria is part of Ethiopia and Ethiopia is part of Nigeria.”
He reiterated the Federal Government’s full support for the airline, affirming that Nigeria’s airspace remains open to all foreign carriers. He urged other international airlines to follow Ethiopian’s example and take advantage of Nigeria’s multiple viable entry points, including Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
Ethiopian Airlines now operates 14 weekly flights to/from Lagos, 7 from Abuja, and 5 each from Kano and Enugu. This extensive presence reinforces its reputation as a leading player in connecting Nigeria to the rest of Africa and the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, Ethiopian Airlines’ Area Manager in Nigeria, described the second daily Lagos flight as a response to increasing demand. “In 2023 alone, over 248,000 passengers travelled between Nigeria and Ethiopia, with Lagos accounting for the largest share,” she said.
She emphasized that the additional frequency offers passengers improved flexibility, seamless connections to the airline’s 66 African destinations, and faster links to over 150 global destinations, including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
“The full load on the flight reflects Nigerians’ trust in our services,” Mekonnen added. “Ethiopian Airlines has stood by Nigeria since independence in 1960 and will be celebrating 65 years of uninterrupted service in 2025.”
Chairman of SIFAX Group and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, also applauded the development. He described the expansion as a strategic move that enhances regional connectivity and expands market access for Nigerian travellers.
“Ethiopian Airlines continues to lead by example, with operational discipline, strategic partnerships, and a long-term commitment to Nigeria,” Afolabi said.
With this latest milestone, Ethiopian Airlines solidifies its position as the preferred African carrier in Nigeria and a key player in the continent’s aviation future.
