by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 8:45 AM ET, Fri August 7, 2026
Air Canada announced the launch of flights to Lagos in 2027, following an expanded air transport agreement that will allow direct passenger flights between Canada and Nigeria for the first time.
The airline said it has begun the process of obtaining the government approvals required to operate commercial flights to Nigeria. Schedules, aircraft type and other details have not yet been announced.
“We welcome this expanded Air Transport Agreement and look forward to obtaining the necessary government approvals to begin service to Lagos, Nigeria in the coming year,” said Mary-Jane Lorette, Vice President, Revenue Management, Partnerships, and International Affairs at Air Canada.
The planned service follows the Government of Canada’s announcement of a significant expansion of its bilateral air agreement with Nigeria, opening a market that until now has been limited to codeshare service.
Under the expanded agreement, Canada and Nigeria can each designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled flights between the two countries. Airlines from each country will be permitted to operate up to 14 passenger flights and 10 all-cargo flights per week.
“By expanding our air transport agreements, we are creating new opportunities for Canadian airlines and giving travellers more choice. The newly expanded Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement will strengthen our economic ties, support tourism and trade, and making it easier for people and businesses in both countries to connect,” said Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
The federal government says demand between the two countries has been growing steadily. The Canada-Nigeria air transport market has more than doubled over the past decade, making Nigeria Canada’s third-largest bilateral air market in Africa in 2025, behind Morocco and Algeria.
Nigeria, with a population of more than 237 million, is also one of Africa’s largest economies. More than 25,000 Nigerians held Canadian study permits as of March 31, 2026.
International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu pointed to Canada’s Nigerian diaspora as another factor behind demand for improved air links.
“This expanded agreement creates a direct link between Canada and Nigeria. It means more choice for travellers, stronger ties between our people, and new opportunities for businesses to expand trade in both directions,” Sidhu said.
“I have met many Canadians of Nigerian descent who have long called for greater connectivity between Canada and Nigeria, and I know more flight options will be welcome news. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies. A direct connection to Lagos brings Canadian exporters closer to that market while also bringing families, communities, and partners closer together.”
The original Canada-Nigeria Air Transport Agreement was negotiated in 2014 and signed in March 2025, but permitted codeshare service only. The latest agreement marks its first expansion and, importantly, clears the way for airlines to operate their own aircraft directly between the two countries.
Air Canada’s proposed Lagos service remains subject to government approval and completion of the regulatory processes required to operate in Nigeria. The airline said further details will be announced at a later date.
Topics From This Article to Explore
