Nigeria, Canada Sign Air Transport Agreement to Pave Way for Direct Flights
Nigeria and Canada have signed a landmark Air Transport Agreement aimed at paving the way for direct commercial flights between the two countries, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations, trade and people-to-people connectivity.
The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Canadian authorities under a revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) framework. The deal establishes the legal basis for designated airlines from both countries to begin operating direct services once commercial and regulatory requirements are completed.
Although the agreement creates the framework for direct flights, officials stressed that airlines must still obtain the necessary operating approvals and determine the commercial viability of proposed routes before services commence. In the interim, travellers between the two countries will continue to rely largely on connecting flights through Europe, the Middle East and other hubs.
The development follows months of discussions between Abuja and Ottawa on improving air connectivity. In July, Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, confirmed that both governments were actively working toward launching direct commercial flights as part of broader cooperation in trade, investment, education and innovation.
Direct air services are expected to benefit the large Nigerian diaspora in Canada by reducing travel times and improving passenger convenience. The agreement is also projected to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, strengthen cargo and export logistics, and deepen economic ties between the two countries.
Nigeria and Canada have enjoyed longstanding diplomatic and commercial relations, with cooperation spanning education, agriculture, mining, security and investment. Aviation stakeholders say the new agreement could significantly enhance connectivity between West Africa and North America while opening fresh opportunities for airlines, exporters and investors in both countries.
