Etihad Airways Signs Three Partnerships to Expand African Network

Etihad Airways signed three partnership agreements in July 2026 to expand its network across Africa, aiming to establish Abu Dhabi as a primary corridor between Africa, India, and Asia. These initiatives follow an April announcement by the carrier to add six new African destinations.

On July 24, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Accra-based Africa World Airlines. This strategic partnership creates a framework for codeshare and interline cooperation, cargo collaboration, and joint frequent flyer programs. It allows passengers to book single tickets between Etihad's 118 global destinations and the West African network of Africa World Airlines. This cooperation supports the planned launch of a direct Abu Dhabi–Accra service on March 24, 2027.

Additionally, Etihad expanded its reach through an interline agreement with Fastjet in Zimbabwe and a July 22 agreement signed in Lagos with Air Peace. The partnership with Air Peace provides Etihad guests access to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West, and Central Africa.

Etihad Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer Arik De described Africa as one of the fastest-growing aviation regions in the world and characterized Ghana as one of the most dynamic aviation markets in West Africa.