Etihad Airways Sets to Return to Nigeria

Etihad Airways is set to resume flight operations to Nigeria in March 2027, launching daily Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Abu Dhabi and Lagos. The announcement follows high-level discussions in Abuja between an Etihad delegation, led by Capt. Khalid Humaid Al Ali, and Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Strategic Partnership with Air Peace

To broaden reach and travel flexibility, Etihad has established a codeshare agreement with Nigeria’s Air Peace.

 

• Seamless Connections: The agreement enables passengers to book journeys combining Air Peace’s domestic and regional routes with Etihad’s international network via Abu Dhabi.

 

• Regional Hub Development: The partnership reflects growing collaboration between local and global carriers, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a West African aviation hub.

 

Push for Expansion to Abuja

During the meeting, Minister Keyamo urged Etihad to consider adding direct routes to Abuja alongside its Lagos operations. Direct access from the nation's capital would eliminate domestic transit for northern travelers, offering greater convenience for diplomats, business leaders, and religious pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

 
Preparations and Economic Impact

Preparations for the March 2027 launch are actively underway:

• Terminal Space: The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been instructed to secure terminal facilities for Etihad at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

 

• Working Committee: A joint committee of Nigerian aviation authorities and Etihad representatives has been formed to handle technical and operational logistics.

Etihad’s re-entry is expected to boost competition, enhance international flight options, and stimulate foreign investment, trade, and tourism across Nigeria.

Long-haul Expansion: Lufthansa to Reshape European Network

Lufthansa is preparing to launch a major fleet expansion campaign to acquire additional widebody aircraft as it strengthens its long-haul operations. According to the airline's Chief Executive Officer, Carsten Spohr, the procurement process is expected to begin in spring 2027, with the airline evaluating additional Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777X aircraft to support future growth.

At the same time, Lufthansa is streamlining its European network by reducing unprofitable short-haul services. The airline recently announced plans to cut approximately 20,000 short-haul flights through October 2026 as part of a broader strategy to improve operational efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and optimize capacity across its six European hubs while maintaining strong long-haul connectivity.

The dual strategy reflects Lufthansa's long-term focus on expanding its intercontinental network while adapting its regional operations to changing market conditions, rising operating costs, and growing demand for international travel.

Emirates and Etihad Launch New Travel Insurance to Enhance Trust in UAE Tourism

Two of the United Arab Emirates' leading airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, are set to introduce travel insurance initiatives to enhance confidence among international visitors and support the country’s tourism sector. The move comes amid ongoing regional uncertainties that have affected travel insurance availability and traveler confidence. (Condé Nast Traveller India)

Etihad Airways has partnered with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and insurance provider Daman to offer complimentary medical travel insurance to eligible international passengers arriving in Abu Dhabi. The coverage, available from July to December 2026, provides up to 15 days of medical protection within the UAE and is automatically included with qualifying tickets at no extra cost. (Etihad Global)

Meanwhile, Emirates is working with insurance providers to develop an affordable travel insurance package designed to reassure visitors travelling to Dubai. The proposed policy is expected to include guarantees that help passengers return home even in the event of travel disruptions, addressing one of the major concerns among international travelers. (Condé Nast Traveller India)

Industry leaders believe these initiatives will strengthen the UAE's appeal as a global tourism destination by providing visitors with added security and peace of mind. With air traffic steadily recovering and the country welcoming thousands of international travelers daily, the insurance offerings are expected to play a key role in encouraging more tourists to visit the UAE's major destinations, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. (Condé Nast Traveller India)

The new measures reflect the commitment of both airlines and tourism authorities to ensuring a safe, seamless, and enjoyable travel experience for visitors while further supporting the growth of the UAE’s tourism and aviation sectors. (Etihad Global)

Air Peace Bags Brazil Approval for Direct Lagos–São Paulo Flights

Nigeria's leading airline, Air Peace, is set to deepen air connectivity between Africa and South America through its direct Lagos–São Paulo route, a development expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the South American countries.

The route is part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and provide travelers with a faster and more convenient travel option. Once fully operational, the service will significantly reduce travel time between Lagos and São Paulo, eliminating the need for multiple stopovers and making travel more accessible for business and leisure passengers.

Industry stakeholders believe the direct connection will open new opportunities for tourism growth in both nations. Nigerian travelers will gain easier access to Brazil's renowned attractions, including its vibrant cities, cultural heritage, and natural wonders. Likewise, Brazilian tourists will have greater opportunities to explore Nigeria's rich cultural diversity, historical landmarks, and growing tourism destinations.

Beyond tourism, the route is expected to facilitate increased trade and investment by providing a seamless link between Africa's largest economy and Latin America's largest economy. Business travelers, entrepreneurs, and investors are anticipated to benefit from improved connectivity, fostering stronger commercial partnerships.

The initiative also highlights the growing role of aviation in promoting international cooperation. By enhancing air links between Nigeria and Brazil, Air Peace is positioning itself as a key player in expanding global connectivity while supporting economic growth, tourism development, and cultural exchange across the Atlantic.

The Lagos–São Paulo service represents another milestone in Nigeria's aviation sector and underscores the potential of direct international routes to drive tourism and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between nations.

Dubai Intermational Airport (DXB) to Close as $35 Billion Mega-One Takes Over Global Aviation Role

Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest international airport, is set to permanently close by 2032 as the emirate prepares to transfer all flight operations to the expanding Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The move marks the end of an era for DXB, which has served as a major global aviation gateway since opening in 1960.

Dubai authorities say the transition is necessary because DXB has reached its growth limits due to surrounding highways and residential developments. The airport handled more than 95 million passengers in 2025, placing increasing pressure on its infrastructure.

Al Maktoum International Airport, located in Dubai's Jebel Ali district, is undergoing a massive multi-billion-dollar expansion that will transform it into the world's largest aviation hub. Once completed, the facility is expected to accommodate up to 260 million passengers annually, featuring five parallel runways, approximately 400 aircraft gates, and enhanced transport connections across the UAE.

Major airlines, including Emirates and flydubai, are expected to relocate their operations to the new airport as Dubai strengthens its position as a leading global aviation and tourism hub. Officials believe the project will support future growth while creating a more efficient and sustainable air travel network for the region.

Denmark to Host 2026 Big Tourism Event

International Conference on Tourism Research and Hospitality [ICTRH] is an academic and professional conference focused on the latest trends, research, and innovations in tourism and hospitality management.

This conference is designed to help tourism experts and hospitality professionals understand key areas of tourism, including sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship in tourism, eTourism, and digital innovation.

Who Should Attend:

 Tourism professionals

 Hospitality managers

 Researchers and academics

 Travel business owners

 Students and PhD candidates

 Policymakers and tourism consultants

Why You Should Attend:

 International networking

 Research presentation and publication

 Industry collaboration

 Learning emerging tourism trends

 Connecting academia with real-world hospitality practices

ICTRH is more than just another academic gathering – it is a global meeting point where ideas in tourism and hospitality are transformed into real-world impact. Missing this conference could mean missing the conversations that shape tomorrow’s hospitality world.

Date: 10 th – 11 th October, 2026

Venue: Copenhagen, Denmark.

Paris Sets to Host International and French Travel Market 2026

               IFTM 2026: WHERE THE FUTURE OF GLOBAL TRAVELS COMES ALIVE

The International and French Travel Market is one of the leading B2B travel and tourism trade shows in France. IFTM is considered a flagship event because it gathers over 32,000 tourism professionals around 1,650 brands, representatives from 177 destinations, and thousands of scheduled business meetings.

The theme for this edition is “The Value of Travel – Revealing Together What Creates Impact”. The discussions will center on the economic value of tourism, the social and human impact of travel, and sustainable and collective tourism growth.

Who Should Attend:

·         Travel agencies and tour operators

·         Tourism boards and destination marketers

·         Hotel and hospitality professionals

·         Event planners and MICE professionals

·         Airlines and transport providers

·         Travel tech startups

·         Influencers and travel media

·         Investors in tourism and hospitality

Why You Should Attend:

·         Network with international travel leaders

·         Discover emerging tourism destinations and services

·         Generate business leads

·         Attend industry conferences and workshops

·         Explore innovations in sustainable tourism and travel technology

If you are serious about shaping the future of tourism, IFTM is a perfect platform to expand your network, strengthen your business, and make you stay ahead in the competitive travel market. Paris is the place to be this September.

Date: 15th – 17th September, 2026

Venue: Paris.

Turkish Airlines to Resume Dubai Flights After Regional Suspension

Turkish Airlines has announced plans to resume its direct flights between Istanbul and Dubai beginning June 8, 2026, restoring one of the region’s most important international air routes after months of suspension. The airline halted operations earlier this year following heightened tensions in the Middle East and temporary airspace closures caused by the conflict between the United States and Iran.

The resumed service is expected to support growing travel demand ahead of the Eid Al Adha holiday season, especially among business travelers, tourists, and passengers connecting through Dubai. Industry observers say the return of the Istanbul–Dubai route signals improving stability in regional aviation operations and renewed confidence among international carriers.

Dubai remains one of the world’s busiest international aviation hubs, making the route highly valuable for both leisure and transit passengers. The move also strengthens connectivity between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, two countries with strong tourism and commercial ties. Dubai International Airport continues to play a critical role in global travel, linking passengers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

According to reports, the first resumed flight from Istanbul to Dubai is scheduled to depart in the early hours of June 9, marking the official return of the service after weeks of disruption.