Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace sign interline deal to boost African connectivity

Ethiopian Airlines, identified as Africa’s leading aviation group, and Air Peace, described as Nigeria’s leading carrier, have signed a bilateral interline agreement. The partnership, announced on 9 November 2026, aims to strengthen air transport connectivity across the African continent and expand travel opportunities for passengers. The agreement facilitates a more integrated travel experience by enabling the two carriers to collaborate on passenger travel and checked baggage services.

According to the contract, both carriers are authorized to sell tickets for qualifying journeys that involve services provided by either company. This arrangement allows customers to book qualifying journeys on a single ticket rather than purchasing separate tickets for each leg of the trip. Where applicable, passengers will also benefit from through-checked baggage services to their final destination. This streamlined process is designed to eliminate the need for separate bookings and the inconvenience of re-checking baggage at connection points, thereby creating a smoother and more efficient travel experience for those using the combined network.

Background

This interline arrangement connects Air Peace’s broad domestic and regional routes with the extensive international network of Ethiopian Airlines. Ethiopian Airlines serves destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. By combining these networks, the partnership creates a direct link between major Nigerian and West African cities and global destinations served by Ethiopian Airlines through its hub in Addis Ababa.

Conversely, international passengers arriving on Ethiopian Airlines flights will gain expanded onward travel options across Nigeria and West Africa via Air Peace’s domestic routes. The collaboration is framed by both companies as a strategic move to enhance customer convenience and support the broader growth of air travel on the continent. The pact demonstrates a mutual dedication to enhancing economic, commercial, and cultural connections within Africa and internationally, thereby establishing African aviation as a major player in worldwide air travel.

Why it matters

The partnership directly impacts travellers departing from major Nigerian and West African cities, who will now have seamless access to a wider array of global destinations. For international passengers, the deal provides greater flexibility for onward travel into the Nigerian and West African regions. According to Mesfin Tasew of Ethiopian Airlines Group, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and bringing Africa closer to the world by combining the strengths of both carriers. Allen Onyema, who serves as Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, described the alliance as a major step forward in improving aviation links across the African continent. He observed that merging Air Peace’s local and regional operations with the global footprint of Ethiopian Airlines opens up new possibilities for smooth travel to and from the region. The move is intended to broaden connectivity and improve the overall passenger experience without requiring complex multi-ticket arrangements.

What happens next

The sources do not specify further upcoming dates, pending regulatory decisions, or additional next steps beyond the signing of the agreement itself. The immediate effect of the partnership is the ability for both airlines to issue tickets for eligible multi-carrier itineraries, integrating their respective networks for passenger convenience.