Nigeria, Canada Sign Expanded Air Transport Agreement for Direct Scheduled Flights, Boosting Trade and Travel

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.. 

Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, allow direct scheduled flights between both countries, marking a major breakthrough for thousands of Nigerians who have endured lengthy layovers across Europe and the United States to reach Canada. The agreement was signed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja. The expanded deal gives both countries the right to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services, with a capacity allowance of 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all‑cargo flights each way. It also grants Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights for cargo operations.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, represented by Director of Air Transport Management Mohammed Tijjani, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs, Shendra Melia, signed for her country. The agreement followed a technical review of the existing Bilateral Air Services framework, which had been negotiated in 2014 as a code‑share‑only arrangement and formally signed in March 2025. The expanded pact is expected to reduce travel time, lower logistics costs, and strengthen commercial and cultural ties. With over 25,000 Nigerians holding valid Canadian study permits as of March 2026, the deal is also expected to boost educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, and family reunification.

Air Canada has already welcomed the agreement and intends to launch scheduled service to Lagos in 2027, pending necessary government approvals. “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,” said Mary‑Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s Vice President of Revenue Management, Partnerships, and International Affairs. Nigerian and Canadian carriers are now expected to finalise operational plans, with flights anticipated to commence in 2027.

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