Abu dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced plans to commence four weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra from March 17, 2027, as part of its strategic expansion into Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, the airline will operate the route with its Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft, offering passengers seamless one-stop connections through Abu Dhabi to more than 120 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North America. The announcement followed the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between Etihad Airways and Total Air Alliance Limited (TAAL), a member of the GHI Assets Group, at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra.
The agreement formally appoints Total Air Alliance Limited as Etihad Airways' General Sales Agent (GSA) in Ghana, paving the way for the airline's entry into the Ghanaian market. Representing Etihad Airways at the signing ceremony were Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President for Global Sales and Distribution, and Mr. Khaleefa Mohamed Al Hammadi, Regional General Manager for Sales, Digital, and Distribution.
Mr. Alija stated that the launch of the Accra route underscores Etihad's commitment to strengthening its presence across Africa. He expressed confidence in Total Air Alliance's ability to successfully position the airline in Ghana. He noted that the new service would provide Ghanaian travelers with convenient access to Etihad's global network through its Abu Dhabi hub while enhancing business and tourism links between Ghana, the UAE, and other international destinations.
Ahead of the inaugural flight, a dedicated market development team led by Mr. Nii Anyetei Akofio-Sowah, the General Manager of Total Air Alliance Limited, has begun engaging key stakeholders within Ghana's aviation and travel industry. Mr. Akofio-Sowah said the airline's arrival would introduce Ghanaian travelers to Etihad's award-winning premium services, modern fleet, and renowned Emirati hospitality.
Mr. Christopher Isaiah, Group General Manager, Commercial, GHI Assets Group, highlighted the company's extensive experience across African aviation markets and its ability to support Etihad's long-term growth ambitions on the continent. He described Ghana as the beginning of a broader African expansion strategy aimed at connecting the continent more efficiently to global destinations.
The announcement also highlighted Etihad Airways' expanding partnerships within Africa, including existing collaborations with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace, which are expected to improve regional connectivity and provide passengers with access to an extensive network across West, East, and Southern Africa.
Ms. Lola Adefope, the Executive Director of Total Air Alliance Limited, described Ghana as an ideal destination for Etihad's African expansion, citing the country's growing economy, increasing demand for premium air travel, and strong business and diaspora links with the Gulf region and Asia. She noted that Ghanaian travelers increasingly sought high-quality services, reliability, and seamless international connections, making the country a strategic addition to Etihad's global route network.