BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its presence in Nigeria with increased flight and the introduction of the Port Harcourt route, reinforcing its long-term commitment to African markets.
Under the expansion, Ethiopian Airlines increased its Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to three daily services, while also increasing frequencies to Kano by four, bringing the total to 11 flights a week.
The airline will additionally commence four weekly flights to Port Harcourt, complementing its existing services to Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Enugu. With the PH flight, ET would be operating 53 weekly flights to Nigeria.
General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Firiehiwot Mekonnen stated that Nigeria remains an important market for Ethiopian Airlines, adding that by increasing the frequencies and adding Port Harcourt, ET provides passengers with flexible options, greater seat availability, better connectivity, and access to more attractive and competitive fares.
She maintained that the expansion goes beyond passenger convenience, noting that it would contribute to Nigeria’s 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.
"Our objective is not only to connect Nigerians to the world, but to also 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," she added.
The GM was optimistic that the introduction of Port Harcourt flight will strengthen international connectivity for the South-South region, providing businesses and travellers with easier access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas through Addis Ababa.
Mekonnen appreciated the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, 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 said.
The increased capacity reflects the airline’s confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market and its wider economic potential as Nigeria remains an important market for Ethiopian Airlines.
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