Flying to Canada from Nigeria could soon become faster and cheaper after major air travel deal

• Nigeria and Canada have signed an agreement paving the way for direct scheduled flights.

• Travellers could eventually enjoy shorter journeys, fewer layovers and more airline choices.

• Air Canada says it plans to launch Lagos flights in 2027, subject to approvals.

Travelling between Nigeria and Canada could soon become much simpler after both countries signed a new aviation agreement that clears the way for direct scheduled flights for the first time.

The expanded Bilateral Air Transport Agreement (BASA), signed in Abuja, replaces an older arrangement that only allowed airlines to partner through code-sharing. 

Before the new agreement, travellers flying between Nigeria and Canada had to connect through third-country hubs such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Doha, Dubai or Atlanta because there were no direct scheduled flights between the two countries. 

The journey can take more than 20 hours and sometimes even close to two days.

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Once airlines begin operating direct services under the new agreement, passengers could spend far less time travelling. They may also avoid the stress of long layovers and multiple connections.

The deal could also encourage more airlines to serve the route, which may lead to more competitive ticket prices over time.

For many Nigerians travelling to Canada for work, school, business or to visit family, this could eventually mean shorter travel times, fewer stopovers and more flight options.

The new agreement allows:

• Up to 14 passenger flights every week for airlines from each country.

• Up to 10 weekly cargo flights for both Nigeria and Canada.

• More than one airline from each country to operate the route.

Special cargo rights that allow freight airlines to carry goods between third countries, provided the journey starts or ends in Nigeria or Canada.

The agreement was signed on Nigeria's behalf by Mohammed Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Air Transport Management, representing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. 

Shendra Melia, Chief Air Negotiator for Global Affairs Canada, represented Canada.

The agreement is especially important for Nigerian students.

Canada remains one of the most popular study destinations for Nigerians, with more than 25,000 Nigerians holding active Canadian study permits as of March 2026.

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Families, business travellers and tourists are also expected to benefit from easier access between both countries.

According to Canadian authorities, air travel demand between Nigeria and Canada has more than doubled over the past decade, making Nigeria Canada's third-largest air travel market in Africa.

Following the announcement, Air Canada said it welcomes the new agreement and plans to begin the process of securing approvals to launch flights to Lagos in 2027.

The airline said it will announce flight schedules and other details once all regulatory requirements have been met.

However, the agreement brings Nigeria and Canada closer than ever to having regular nonstop flights that make travel easier for thousands of people every year.