Air Canada Begins Approval Process For Proposed Lagos Service In 2027

Air Canada has begun seeking the approvals needed to launch a proposed Lagos service in 2027, which could give Nigerians and the Nigerian diaspora a new direct travel option to Canada.

The airline said the proposed service follows the expansion of the Canada-Nigeria air transport agreement. The agreement now allows multiple airlines from both countries to operate scheduled services, although Air Canada has not announced the Canadian departure city, flight frequency or aircraft for the proposed Lagos route.

If approved and launched, the service would be the first direct scheduled passenger connection between Canada and Nigeria under the expanded bilateral aviation framework. The earlier agreement was limited to code-share operations.

Nigeria has become Canada’s third-largest bilateral air market in Africa, behind Morocco and Algeria. Canada said the wider Canada-Nigeria air transport market has more than doubled over the past decade, reflecting growing links between travellers, families and businesses.

The expanded agreement provides capacity for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for airlines from each country. It also permits fifth-freedom rights for all-cargo operations, but the proposed Air Canada passenger service remains subject to government approvals and the airline’s final operating plans.

Sources: Business Insider Africa and Government of Canada