Nigeria, Canada Expand Air Deal, Pave Way for Direct Flights

Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded air transport agreement, paving the way for direct flights and boosting opportunities for both passenger and cargo operations. The deal, finalized in Abuja, allows multiple airlines from both nations to operate scheduled services.

Under the new arrangement, designated airlines can each run up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights. This significant enhancement of the aviation relationship builds upon a 2014 agreement that was limited to code-sharing. The previous framework did not permit direct scheduled flights.

The agreement is expected to improve air connectivity, fostering growth in trade, tourism, education, and investment. It also aims to strengthen people-to-people ties. For travelers, direct flights could mean shorter, more convenient journeys, particularly for the more than 25,000 Nigerians holding Canadian study permits as of March 2026.

The pact provides a legal basis for airlines to pursue direct operations, though actual flights will depend on airlines being designated by their governments and meeting regulatory and operational requirements. The expansion also offers greater scope for cargo operations, further integrating the two economies.