Nigeria, Canada seal deal for direct flights with 14 weekly passenger slots

Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded air transport agreement that will allow direct scheduled passenger and cargo flights between both countries for the first time, with each side permitted to operate up to 14 weekly passenger services.

The deal, signed in Abuja and announced separately by both governments on Thursday, replaces a 2014 code‑share‑only arrangement with a full bilateral air services agreement. It opens the door for multiple designated airlines from each country to fly direct, rather than requiring travellers to connect through third‑country hubs.

Canada’s Transport Minister, Steven MacKinnon, said the expanded agreement would “strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and make it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect.” Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development described it as a major milestone that would reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, and lower logistics costs.

Under the terms, each country may designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled passenger and cargo services. Passenger flights are capped at 14 weekly frequencies per side, while all‑cargo flights are limited to 10 weekly frequencies. Cargo carriers will also enjoy fifth‑freedom rights, allowing them to carry freight between two foreign countries as long as the service originates or terminates in their home country.

The agreement was signed on Nigeria’s behalf by Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Air Transport Management at the aviation ministry, representing Minister Festus Keyamo. Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator, Shendra Melia, signed for Ottawa following months of technical discussions.

The move marks the first major revision of the Nigeria‑Canada air pact since 2014. Passenger traffic between the two countries has more than doubled over the past decade, with Canada now Nigeria’s third‑largest bilateral air market in Africa after Morocco and Algeria. More than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits as of March 2026, while bilateral trade in the first quarter of 2026 stood at N775.4 billion, with Nigeria posting a surplus of N565.2 billion.

While the legal framework is now in place, designated airlines from both countries must still obtain the necessary regulatory approvals and operational clearances before direct flights can actually begin. No date has been set for the first commercial service.