Ethiopian Airlines Expands Nigeria Operations to 53 Weekly Flights, Introduces Port Harcourt Route
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations in Nigeria, increasing flight frequencies to Lagos and Kano while introducing a new service to Port Harcourt, as the airline deepens its presence in the Nigerian aviation market.
Under the expansion, the airline has raised its Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to three daily services, while frequencies to Kano have increased by four to 11 flights per week.
Ethiopian Airlines will also commence four weekly flights to Port Harcourt, adding the Rivers State capital to its existing Nigerian destinations of Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu. With the addition of the Port Harcourt service, the airline’s operations in Nigeria will rise to 53 weekly flights.
Speaking on the expansion, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, said the increased capacity reflected the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its wider economic potential.
“Nigeria remains a very important market for Ethiopian Airlines. By increasing our frequencies and adding Port Harcourt, we are giving passengers more flexibility, greater seat availability, better connectivity, and access to more attractive and competitive fares,” Mekonnen said.
She said the expansion would go beyond improving passenger convenience, noting that increased flight operations would support tourism, trade, investment and employment, while creating additional business opportunities for local service providers.
“Every additional flight creates economic activity. It means more business for Nigerian ground handling companies, airports, travel agencies, hotels, transport providers, catering, and other local service providers, while also creating direct and indirect employment opportunities,” she explained.
Mekonnen also highlighted the airline’s commitment to supporting inbound tourism into Nigeria, leveraging its extensive global network to connect international visitors to the country.
“Our objective is not only to connect Nigerians to the world, but also to bring more of the world to Nigeria. Better air connectivity can support tourism, facilitate trade and investment, and contribute to Nigeria’s wider economic growth.”
The introduction of the Port Harcourt service is expected to strengthen international air connectivity for the South-South region, giving businesses and travellers in the region easier access to Ethiopian Airlines’ network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas through Addis Ababa.
Mekonnen expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, airport authorities and other stakeholders for their continued support.
“As Ethiopian Airlines grows in Nigeria, we want our growth to create value for Nigeria — through better connectivity, more tourism, more business opportunities, and more jobs. We remain committed to being a long-term aviation partner to the country,” she added.
