NAMA prepared to support return of Etihad Airways to Nigeria – MD

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Development Agency (NAMA), Engineer Ahmed Umar Farouk, says NAMA remains fully prepared to support the successful return of Etihad Airways and other global carriers to Nigeria by ensuring a safe, seamless, and technologically advanced airspace environment.

Engineer Umar maintained that the return of a globally respected airline such as Etihad Airways is a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and reflects the remarkable progress being made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo, in repositioning the industry for sustainable growth.

The NAMA boss stated this in a post on X while reflecting on the recent strategic engagement in Abuja between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and a high-level delegation from Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates, led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International & Government Affairs.

He said he looked forward to the continued collaboration between all stakeholders while working collectively to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa, delivering a safer, more connected, and prosperous future for air transport.

Engineer Ahmed Farouk Umar’s post reads thus, “I had the honour of joining the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, @fkeyamo, SAN, at a strategic engagement with a high-level delegation from Etihad Airways, United Arab Emirates, led by Captain Khalid Humaid Al Ali, Senior Vice President, Aeropolitical, International & Government Affairs.

“The meeting brought together key leaders within Nigeria’s aviation industry, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other senior government officials, to deliberate on strengthening bilateral aviation relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

“At the heart of our discussions was the planned resumption of Etihad Airways’ direct flight operations between Nigeria and Abu Dhabi, expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027. This development represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to deepen international partnerships, expand connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, and create new opportunities for economic growth.

“As the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), I reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering commitment to providing safe, efficient, and world-class air navigation services that meet international standards. NAMA remains fully prepared to support the successful return of Etihad Airways and other global carriers by ensuring a safe, seamless, and technologically advanced airspace environment.

“The return of a globally respected airline such as Etihad Airways is a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and reflects the remarkable progress being made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in repositioning the industry for sustainable growth.

“I look forward to the continued collaboration between all stakeholders as we work collectively to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa, while delivering a safer, more connected, and prosperous future for air transport.”