• Etihad to launch flights to six African cities by 2027
• Routes include Lagos, Accra, Kinshasa with up to seven weekly flights
• Expansion targets stronger UAE-Africa trade and connectivity

Etihad Airways plans to launch routes to six African destinations between November 2026 and March 2027.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will start flights to Accra (Ghana), Asmara (Eritrea), Harare (Zimbabwe), Kinshasa and Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of Congo), and Lagos (Nigeria), with three to seven weekly flights depending on the route.

The move is part of a broader push to expand Etihad’s African network as the United Arab Emirates strengthens its position as a global hub for tourism and business. The new services will offer one-stop connections to key passenger and cargo markets.

“The initiative aims to strengthen economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Africa, amid growing trade, investment and sector partnerships,” the airline said.

Abu Dhabi is also positioning itself as a key transit hub linking Africa with India and Asia. Etihad is leveraging a joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, giving it access to the carrier’s extensive African network. The partnership includes code-sharing and commercial and cargo cooperation, expanding access to smaller cities across the continent.

The expansion comes amid growing competition from other Gulf carriers. Qatar Airways and Emirates are also increasing their presence in Africa. This month, Qatar Airways said it would launch routes to Kinshasa, Luanda, Port Harcourt, Marrakech, the Seychelles and Alexandria, highlighting the rising strategic focus of Middle Eastern hubs on the continent.

Henoc Dossa