Nigeria targets reinstatement of air services with Italy as part of a renewed effort to strengthen bilateral ties. According to Travel News Africa, the move involves reviving the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between both nations. The goal is to boost economic cooperation and unlock new revenue opportunities within the tourism and travel sectors.
The move for a renewed air connectivity gained momentum at the recent Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 held in Abuja. Nigeria-Italy Air services lost steam during the economic disruption caused by the cessation of direct flights by former carriers Alitalia and Air Italy.
As a plus for the revival of Nigeria-Italy travels, Neos Airlines briefly operated a Milan-Lagos route in late 2024. Still, they found the growing demand for consistent, direct air travel a mounting challenge.
Italy has been Nigeria’s key trading partner. Travel News Africa reports bilateral trade between Abuja and Rome peaked at €2.5 billion in 2024. As such, the absence of direct flights made business and trade between the two countries complex, as travel costs continue to hinder business interactions and potentially impact trade volumes. Restoring direct flights is expected to streamline travel, reduce costs, and facilitate stronger economic ties.
The potential benefits of the renewed Nigeria-Italy Air Services extend beyond passenger travel. Enhanced air connectivity is primed to boost cargo shipping efficiency, facilitate trade, and open new avenues for businesses in both countries.
Plus, there are projections of a significant increase in trade volume between Nigeria and Italy, potentially reaching €3.12 billion by 2027 with the restoration of direct flights. According to Travel News Africa, the projected annual passenger volume between the two countries is also promising, estimated to reach 39,000 by 2027.
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As direct connectivity is often a key enabler for foreign direct investment (FDI), Italian businesses may find investing in Nigeria’s vast market more attractive, and Nigerian entrepreneurs could explore more opportunities in Italy.
The aviation sector, along with related industries like tourism and hospitality, is expected to benefit from increased activity. This could potentially lead to job creation and a positive impact on the GDP of both countries.
The potential reinstatement of direct flights between Nigeria and Italy is expected to significantly uplift Nigeria’s tourism and travel sector, fostering enhanced economic ties, cultural exchange, and streamlined connectivity.
Travellers between Nigeria and Italy currently endure indirect routes, often involving one or more layovers, leading to extended travel times and increased costs. The reintroduction of direct flights, including the expansion of services like Neos Air’s recently launched Milan-Lagos route and the hoped-for return of an Italian national carrier to Nigerian skies, promises to transform this landscape.
Direct flights are a major catalyst for inbound tourism. By making Nigeria more accessible and affordable to Italian tourists and other European travellers using Italy as a hub, the country could see a rise in visitors interested in its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and growing business opportunities.
While the focus is often on inbound tourism, direct flights would also make Italy a more attractive destination for Nigerian tourists. Italy’s historical sites, fashion, and cuisine are strong draws, and easier travel could spur growth in this market segment.
Increased travel also fosters greater understanding and stronger cultural ties between nations. Direct flights can facilitate educational exchanges, participation in cultural events, and a deeper appreciation of each country’s unique offerings.
As highlighted in recent investment summits, the Nigerian government’s proactive stance in reviving the BASA with Italy underscores a commitment to leveraging aviation as a tool for economic transformation. If successfully implemented and sustained, the reinstatement of direct flights between Nigeria and Italy is poised to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry, ushering in an era of increased connectivity, economic growth, and stronger international partnerships.
FAQs
1. Why is Nigeria seeking the reinstatement of direct flights with Italy?
Nigeria aims to reinstate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Italy to restore direct flights, which have been disrupted since Alitalia ceased operations. This move is intended to improve travel convenience, reduce flight times from 16-18 hours with layovers to about 5-6 hours direct, and boost trade and economic ties between the two countries.
2. What economic benefits are expected from reinstating direct flights?
Renewed direct flights are expected to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic transformation. Italy is a significant trading partner, and direct flights will facilitate easier business travel, increase trade volumes (projected to reach €3.12 billion by 2027), and open up opportunities in sectors like agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
3. Which airlines are involved or expected to operate the direct flights?
Alitalia previously operated direct flights but ceased operations. Neos Airlines, an Italian carrier, has recently re-established direct Milan-Lagos flights since October 2024, with plans to increase frequency. The Federal Government is also advocating for the return of other Italian airline services to strengthen connectivity.
4. How will the reinstatement affect travel time and passenger convenience?
Direct flights will significantly reduce travel time from the current 16-18 hours with layovers to approximately 5-6 hours. This will ease travel for passengers, reduce costs (saving about €200 per passenger), and provide a more comfortable and efficient travel experience between Nigeria and Italy.
5. How will this impact travel agencies and the tourism sector?
The reinstatement of direct flights will create new opportunities for African travel agents to develop attractive travel packages for business and leisure travellers. It will also boost cargo shipping efficiency, facilitating trade and expanding services for travel professionals.
