Air Canada has announced plans to launch scheduled direct flights to Lagos in 2027, following the expansion of the bilateral air transport agreement between Canada and Nigeria.
Welcoming the Canadian government’s announcement of the updated pact, the airline confirmed it has initiated the process to secure the required government and regulatory permits to operate commercial flights into Nigeria.
Mary-Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s Vice President of Revenue Management, Partnerships, and International Affairs, stated that the carrier expects to introduce the new Lagos route next year.
“We welcome this expanded Air Transport Agreement and look forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to Lagos, Nigeria in the coming year,” Lorette said.
This milestone follows the signing of an enhanced bilateral air transport agreement between Nigeria and Canada, establishing a framework for direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights between the two countries.
A major feature of the updated pact allows both nations to designate multiple airlines to operate direct routes, rather than restricting operations to a single carrier.
Commenting on the deal, Canada’s Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, noted that expanding air transport agreements opens fresh commercial opportunities for airlines while offering broader choices and improved convenience for international travelers.
“The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and making (sic) it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” the transport minister said.
Air Canada noted that details regarding flight schedules and aircraft types will be disclosed in due course.
However, the airline emphasized that launching the route remains contingent on receiving regulatory approvals and satisfying all operational requirements in Nigeria.
Backstory…
On August 6, Nigeria and Canada signed an expanded air transport agreement on Thursday in Abuja, officially enabling direct scheduled flights between both nations for the first time.
Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signed the deal alongside Shendra Melia, Canada’s Senior Air Negotiator for Global Affairs.
Under the expanded air transport agreement, both Nigeria and Canada have the right to select multiple airlines to conduct scheduled trips between the two countries.
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