Air Canada Begins Approval Process for 2027 Lagos Flights

“The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and make it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” MacKinnon said.

Air Canada has commenced regulatory processes to secure approval for scheduled flights to Lagos from Canada in 2027, following the expansion of the air transport agreement between Nigeria and Canada.

The airline, in a statement on Thursday, welcomed the expanded agreement and said it had begun obtaining the necessary government approvals to launch commercial services to Nigeria.

Mary-Jane Lorette, Air Canada’s vice-president of revenue management, partnerships and international affairs, said the airline was looking forward to commencing the 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,” Lorette said.

The development followed the signing of an expanded air transport agreement between Nigeria and Canada, which provides for direct scheduled air services between the two countries.

A key provision of the agreement allows both countries to designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled services between Nigeria and Canada, potentially increasing competition and travel options on the route.

Canada’s Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, said the agreement would create new opportunities for airlines while giving travellers greater choice.

“The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and make it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” MacKinnon said.

The Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, said improved air connectivity would deepen commercial and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Sidhu noted that direct connectivity to Lagos would bring Canadian exporters closer to one of Africa’s largest economies while making it easier for families and communities in both countries to maintain stronger links.

Air Canada said details of the proposed flight schedule and aircraft type would be announced in due course.

The airline, however, stressed that the planned service remains subject to government approvals and the completion of operational requirements in Nigeria.