Ethiopian Airlines Denies Nigeria Carrier Revival
Ethiopian Airlines has refuted recent reports suggesting it is reviving plans for a Nigerian national carrier in partnership with the Nigerian government. The denial comes amid media speculation that a meeting involving Nigerian Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo in Addis Ababa signaled a potential new venture. However, Ethiopian Airlines executives clarified that discussions with CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele centered solely on broader African aviation developments, not on resurrecting the stalled Nigeria Air project.
The confusion began after Nigeria’s Punch newspaper, citing unnamed sources and “recent events and documents,” reported that the Nigerian federal government was considering resuming talks with Ethiopian Airlines to revive the failed national carrier project—allegedly under a new name. The proposed venture had previously been associated with the former government of President Muhammadu Buhari. At that time, a consortium led by Ethiopian Airlines was set to hold a 49% stake in Nigeria Air. However, the project collapsed amid fierce opposition from established Nigerian carriers, and under the current administration, the idea was dismissed as a sellout to foreign interests.
Ethiopian Airlines’ denial reinforces that there are no current plans to restart the Nigeria Air project. In an interview with The Reporter newspaper in Ethiopia, airline executives stressed that the recent high-profile visit by Minister Keyamo was not an indicator of renewed interest in establishing a national carrier in Nigeria. Instead, the focus was on discussing emerging opportunities and challenges in the African aviation market as a whole.
The airline’s statement comes at a time when African aviation is rapidly evolving, with operators seeking new growth opportunities and strategic partnerships across the continent. Despite the failed attempt to establish Nigeria Air in 2024, industry stakeholders continue to watch developments closely, as the demand for enhanced regional connectivity and increased capacity remains strong in Africa.
While some media outlets continue to speculate about a potential revival of the Nigerian national carrier concept, Ethiopian Airlines maintains that there are no active discussions or plans underway. The airline emphasized its commitment to expanding and strengthening its operations within the African market, independent of any new ventures related to Nigeria Air.
As the aviation landscape in Africa continues to change, Ethiopian Airlines is focused on leveraging its expertise and resources to support the continent’s broader development goals. For now, the airline urges stakeholders and passengers alike to disregard the recent rumors and look forward to its ongoing efforts to enhance regional connectivity and service excellence.
The denial marks a clear stance from Ethiopian Airlines in the wake of past controversies and underscores the importance of accurate reporting amid evolving industry dynamics. With African aviation poised for further growth, both Ethiopian Airlines and regional policymakers remain dedicated to fostering sustainable progress across the continent.
Related News: https://suspicious-zhukovsky.67-21-117-18.plesk.page/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com