Ethiopian Airlines announced on July 2 its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s tourism sector, both by attracting international visitors and supporting outbound travel for Nigerians. The airline highlighted the growing popularity of cultural events, such as Christmas, Carnival Calabar, Ojude Oba, and the Durbar festivals, as compelling indicators of Nigeria’s vibrant and expanding tourism appeal.
Firiehiwot Mekonnen, the Area Manager for Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, stated that the airline will soon reveal its strategies to achieve its tourism and connectivity goals within Nigeria. She made these remarks at the launch of the airline’s second daily flight from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
The newly inaugurated flight departed Lagos with all 147 Economy Class seats and eight Business Class seats occupied. It had arrived from Addis Ababa with 114 passengers in Economy Class and one in Business Class.
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During the event, Mekonnen highlighted, “The arriving flight from Addis Ababa came with 114 passengers in Economy and one passenger in Business Class. The full load shows Nigerians’ love and support for Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines has been serving Nigeria since its independence in 1960, marking 65 years of uninterrupted and committed operation to Nigeria in November 2025. A significant celebration will be held to commemorate this milestone.
“With this flight, Ethiopian Airlines is further dedicating itself to serving Nigerians with more flexibility and affordable flight options. This additional flight brings Ethiopian Airlines’ frequency in Nigeria to 31 weekly flights from all stations (Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu) and 14 weekly flights to/from Lagos with early morning, midday, and evening departures, which makes Ethiopian Airlines the most preferred by passengers for its flexible and convenient options.
“ET is willing and able to partner and support travel and tourism in Nigeria. We have also offered to support inbound and outbound tourism in Nigeria. In the coming months, ET will unfold its plan to support tourism in Nigeria with the recent success of Detty December, Carnival Calabar, Ojude Oba, and Durbar Festivals in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, expressed his welcoming stance, stating, “We welcome any airline that wants to fly to Nigeria. Our airports are open to any airline that wants to fly to Nigeria. We view Ethiopian Airlines as part of Nigeria, and we will grant them approval anytime they request it for any route. We are making sure that Lagos becomes a hub. We can only ask for more.”
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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What is Ethiopian Airlines’ stance on supporting tourism in Nigeria?
Ethiopian Airlines has expressed its readiness to support both inbound and outbound tourism in Nigeria, citing the success of events like Detty December, Carnival Calabar, Ojude Oba, and Durbar festivals as proof of the country’s tourism potential.
Who is Firiehiwot Mekonnen, and what did she announce?
Firiehiwot Mekonnen is the area manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria. She announced the airline’s plans to unfold its strategies for accomplishing its tourism and connectivity goals in Nigeria, following the launch of its second daily flight to Lagos.
How many flights does Ethiopian Airlines now operate to Nigeria weekly?
With the additional flight, Ethiopian Airlines’ frequency in Nigeria increases to 31 weekly flights from all stations (Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu). Specifically for Lagos, there are now 14 weekly flights to and from the city.
What was the passenger load for the inaugural second daily flight to Lagos?
The flight departed Lagos with a whole load of 147 passengers in economy and eight in business class. It had arrived from Addis Ababa with 114 passengers in economy and one passenger in business class.
How long has Ethiopian Airlines been operating in Nigeria?
“Ethiopian Airlines has been serving Nigeria since independence in 1960″, and will mark 65 years of uninterrupted and committed operation to Nigeria in November 2025.”
What was the Ministry of Aviation’s response to Ethiopian Airlines’ operations?
Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated, “We welcome any airline that wants to fly to Nigeria. Our airports are open to any airline that wants to fly to Nigeria. We view Ethiopian Airlines as part of the Nigerian aviation industry, and we will grant them approval anytime they request it for any route. We are making sure that Lagos becomes a hub. We can only ask for more.”
