Air Canada has announced plans to commence scheduled flights to Lagos in 2027 following the expansion of the air transport agreement between Nigeria and Canada.
The airline said it has begun the process of obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to operate commercial flights to Nigeria after both countries signed an expanded bilateral air services agreement.
Mary-Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s Vice-President of Revenue Management, Partnerships and International Affairs, said the carrier welcomed the new agreement and looked forward to launching the Lagos service 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,” she said.
The expanded agreement allows Nigeria and Canada to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services between the two countries, paving the way for direct flights.
Canada’s Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, said the agreement would deepen economic ties, promote tourism and trade, and provide travellers with more travel options between both nations.
He noted that the deal would create new opportunities for airlines while making it easier for businesses and people in both countries to connect.
Also commenting, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, said many Canadians of Nigerian descent had long sought greater air connectivity between the two countries.
He described Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest economies, adding that direct flights to Lagos would strengthen commercial relations, facilitate exports and bring families, communities and business partners closer together.
Air Canada said details of its flight schedules and aircraft deployment would be announced later, subject to regulatory approvals and the completion of operational requirements in Nigeria.