• The updated deal expands routes between West Africa, the UAE, and London
• New destinations include Banjul, Dakar, Freetown, and Monrovia
• The partnership aligns with stronger Nigeria-UAE economic ties

Emirates and Nigeria’s Air Peace have announced an update to their interline agreement signed in February 2025. The partnership allows passengers to travel on a single ticket with simplified baggage handling. The update aims to expand air connectivity between Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and London.

Under the previous arrangement, Emirates passengers could access 13 Nigerian cities through Air Peace’s network. The revised agreement adds new destinations, including Banjul in The Gambia and Dakar in Senegal via Abidjan, as well as Freetown in Sierra Leone and Monrovia in Liberia via Accra. The additional routes improve African travelers’ access to Emirates’ global network and premium services.

Air Peace will also strengthen its links to Emirates’ extensive route network, centered on its Dubai hub, as well as major airports such as London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted. According to the statement, with strong travel demand between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, this offers Air Peace passengers greater choice, flexibility, and global reach.

The renewed partnership comes amid stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. On January 13, the two countries signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The deal allows Nigerian business travelers to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days within a 12-month period to explore trade and investment opportunities. It also provides for the removal of customs duties on more than 7,000 products. The agreement aims to expand trade opportunities, improve market access for exports, and increase investment flows.

The Emirates–Air Peace partnership also highlights the growing presence of Gulf airlines in Africa. Carriers such as Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have expanded African routes in recent years while increasing code-sharing agreements with local airlines.

Henoc Dossa