Nigeria and Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will pave the way for direct scheduled flights between the two countries for the first time, in a major step aimed at boosting trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations.

The agreement was signed on Thursday at the Canadian High Commission in Abuja by officials from both countries. Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented by the Director of Air Transport Management, Mohammed Tijjani.

The deal forms part of the Federal Government's efforts to strengthen international aviation partnerships, improve air connectivity and create more opportunities for Nigerian airlines under its ongoing aviation reform programme.

In recent months, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has intensified discussions with several countries to review Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) and expand access to international routes for Nigerian carriers.

Direct flights between Nigeria and Canada have long been sought by travellers, businesses and the large Nigerian community in Canada due to increasing ties in education, trade, tourism and investment.

Nigeria and Canada sign expanded air transport deal for direct flights

According to a statement issued by Keyamo's Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the agreement followed an extensive review of the existing bilateral aviation framework.

"In a landmark step towards strengthening bilateral aviation relations and expanding economic cooperation, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Canada have signed an expanded Air Transport Agreement that will, for the first time, permit direct scheduled air services between both countries," the statement said.

Under the agreement, both countries can designate multiple airlines to operate scheduled flights. It also provides for up to 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly all-cargo flights for airlines from each country.

The deal further grants fifth freedom traffic rights for cargo operations, allowing designated airlines to transport freight between two foreign countries as part of services originating from or ending in their home country.

The Federal Government said the agreement would reduce travel time, improve passenger convenience, lower logistics costs and strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Nigeria and Canada.

The ministry also noted that the agreement would benefit thousands of Nigerians living, studying and working in Canada. As of March 31, 2026, more than 25,000 Nigerians held valid Canadian study permits, making Nigeria one of Canada's leading sources of international students.

According to the government, the improved aviation framework is expected to support educational exchanges, tourism, business travel, investment and family reunification.

The Nigeria–Canada Air Transport Agreement was first negotiated in 2014 as a code-share arrangement before being formally signed in March 2025. The latest expansion marks the first major upgrade of the bilateral aviation framework between the two countries in more than a decade.

Nigeria, Canada Sign New Air Transport Deal to Launch Direct Flights

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