Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has expanded its operations in Nigeria “with increased flight frequencies and the introduction of a new service to Port Harcourt (PHC), reinforcing the airline’s long-term commitment to one of its most important African markets.”
ET stated that under the expansion, it has “increased its Lagos operation to 21 weekly flights, offering up to three daily services, while also increasing frequencies to Kano by 4 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.”
General Manager of Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria, Ms. Firiehiwot Mekonnen 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.”
Ms. Mekonnen 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.”
Ms. 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.”