ACCRA, Ghana 30 JUL 2026: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and Africa World Airlines, the Accra-based carrier, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a partnership spanning codeshare and interline cooperation, cargo collaboration, and frequent-flyer programmes.
The agreement, signed in Accra last week, sets out a framework for the two airlines to connect their networks. Once implemented, it will allow Etihad guests to travel on a single ticket beyond Accra onto Africa World Airlines’ network across Ghana and West Africa, and bring Africa World Airlines’ customers to Abu Dhabi and onwards across Etihad’s network of 118 destinations.
The two carriers intend to cooperate on cargo, connecting Ghanaian and West African exporters with Etihad Cargo’s global capacity, and on loyalty, giving members of both airlines’ programmes more ways to earn and redeem.
The partnership takes shape as Ghana and the UAE draw closer, with growing trade, investment, and government engagement between the two countries, and travel between Accra and the UAE rising accordingly. A direct commercial link between the two capitals of these aviation markets is the natural next step.
The Memorandum of Understanding took effect from 24 July 2026, with the individual areas of cooperation to be implemented in stages. The partnership lays the groundwork for Etihad’s own Abu Dhabi–Accra service, set to launch on 24 March 2027. Combined journeys will go on sale as soon as the interline cooperation takes effect.
Etihad Airways Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, said: “Ghana is one of West Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets, and Africa World Airlines is the natural partner there. This framework spans passenger services, cargo, and loyalty, and will connect Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and our network across the world’s fastest-growing markets. We are here to grow with Ghana.”
Africa World Airlines Chief Operating Officer Sohail Mahmood said: “Africa World Airlines has proudly connected Ghana and West Africa for more than a decade, with a network that includes Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. This partnership with Etihad Airways across passenger, cargo and loyalty will give our customers a direct line to Abu Dhabi’s expansive network.”
(Source: Etihad)
