Ethiopian Airlines increases weekly flights in Nigeria to 53

*…expands Port Harcourt operations *

Ethiopian Airlines has further strengthened its presence in Nigeria with increased flight frequencies and the introduction of a new service to Port Harcourt (PHC), thereby increasing it’s weekly flights in Nigeria to 53.

Under the expansion, Ethiopian Airlines has 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.

Speaking on the expansion, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, said the increased capacity reflects 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 further explained that the expansion goes beyond passenger convenience and will 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,” she explained.

Mekonnen also highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s inbound tourism, using 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 Port Harcourt will particularly 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 expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the 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 concluded.

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