Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its Nigerian network by launching new direct services to Kano and resuming operations to Enugu, significantly bolstering air connectivity for Northern and Eastern Nigeria. These additions enhance accessibility to the global Ethiopian network via Addis Ababa’s hub.
Expansion to Kano Reinvigorates Pan-African Connectivity
Ethiopian Airlines reinstated its route to Kano, offering enhanced international travel options for passengers from Northern Nigeria. The Kano route, launched originally in May 2014 and reintroduced under a renewed schedule, now provides up to 20 weekly flights between Kano and Addis Ababa, linking passengers onward to destinations including Jeddah, Dubai, Guangzhou, Mumbai, Cairo, and more.
Kano becomes the airline’s 49th destination in Africa and the 81st international destination, reinforcing Ethiopian’s position as a leading Pan‑African carrier with a fleet of modern aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner.
Enugu Route Resumed After Airport Renovation
Ethiopian Airlines resumed passenger operations to Enugu on 10 October 2021, with flights operating three times a week—Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. This service re‑enabled direct connectivity from Enugu to more than 130 global destinations through Addis Ababa’s international hub.
As the first international carrier to fly to Enugu (originally beginning service in 2013), Ethiopian is renewing its longstanding commitment to serving Nigeria since the 1960s.
Benefits for Nigerian Travelers and Regional Mobility
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Northern and Eastern Access
Travelers in Kano and surrounding regions now enjoy improved access to a wide Ethiopian network, minimizing travel via Lagos or Abuja. -
Minimized Transit Times
All flights connect through Addis Ababa with streamlined layovers, enabling efficient onward travel across continents. -
Network Integration
Passengers from Kano and Enugu can now seamlessly access destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and other parts of Africa.
Strategic Significance of the Expansion
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Deepening Pan-African Role
Ethiopian Airlines underscores its commitment to Nigeria—one of its earliest markets—by expanding connectivity beyond Lagos and Abuja to Kano and Enugu. -
Economic & Tourism Impact
Enhanced air access is expected to stimulate trade, tourism, and business linkages across Nigeria’s regions. It also encourages domestic travelers to explore Eastern and Northern states without routing through Lagos.
Looking Ahead: Network Growth and Future Opportunities
Ethiopian now offers flight deals between Kano and Enugu, available via its user platforms, showcasing its commitment to domestic connectivity within Nigeria and intra-African mobility.
Meanwhile, Enugu State’s own airline—Enugu Air, launched on 7 July 2025,—offers complementary growth in regional aviation infrastructure and destination capacity.
Summary Table: Turkish Airlines—oops, Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria Expansion
| Route | Launch / Reintroduction Date | Frequency & Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kano | Originally May 2014; restored in 2025 | Up to 20 weekly Addis-Ababa flights; accessible network |
| Enugu | Resumed 10 October 2021 | Tri-weekly flights connecting to 130+ global destinations |
Conclusion
With its reconfigured services to Kano and resumed flights to Enugu, Ethiopian Airlines is transforming the air travel landscape in Nigeria—especially for passengers in Northern and Eastern regions. Enhanced access to Addis Ababa’s hub unlocks streamlined connections to global cities across continents. This strategic move strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ continental leadership and supports Nigeria’s broader aviation and tourism ambitions.
