Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines sign interline agreement to boost Africa and global links
Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a new bilateral interline agreement that will expand air connectivity across Africa and provide passengers with easier access to international destinations. The agreement, announced by both airlines, covers passenger travel and checked baggage services, allowing the two carriers to issue tickets for eligible itineraries involving flights operated by both airlines. Under this arrangement, passengers can book qualifying connecting journeys on a single ticket and have their baggage checked through to their final destination, where applicable. This eliminates the need for separate bookings and baggage re-checks during transit, making travel more seamless for customers.
The new partnership links Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional network with Ethiopian Airlines’ international operations, which span Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Through this agreement, passengers departing from major Nigerian and West African cities will have access to Ethiopian Airlines’ global network via its Addis Ababa hub. In the other direction, international passengers arriving in Nigeria on Ethiopian Airlines flights will have expanded onward travel options across the country and to other West African destinations through Air Peace’s network. This is expected to make travel planning easier and more efficient for a wide range of customers.
The agreement will benefit business travellers who require reliable connections between African cities and international destinations, as well as leisure passengers seeking more convenient itineraries. Groups, MICE organisers, students, and the African diaspora will also gain from the ability to book multi-leg journeys on a single ticket, reducing complexity and the risk of missed connections. The airlines note that the partnership will support tourism and trade by making more destinations accessible through simplified booking arrangements and improved network connections.
For the travel trade, the practical impact of the interline agreement is significant. Agencies and tour operators will be able to offer clients single-ticket itineraries that combine flights on both Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines, with through-checked baggage where applicable. This may reduce administrative work and improve the customer experience. However, as of now, there are no official details on the effective date of the agreement, which routes are eligible, or when the arrangement will be available in global distribution systems (GDS). Sellers should monitor for further announcements and check with both airlines for GDS activation, ticketing rules, and commission structures as the partnership is implemented.
The agreement is expected to strengthen connectivity from African hubs, particularly for passengers travelling between West Africa and the rest of the continent or beyond. Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub is a major gateway for African and international travel, and the new partnership will allow passengers from Nigeria and neighbouring countries to access a wider range of destinations with fewer booking steps. Similarly, Ethiopian Airlines’ international passengers will have more options for onward travel within Nigeria and West Africa through Air Peace’s network. This may help address long-standing challenges in intra-African connectivity and support the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In comparison with other African airline markets, the Air Peace–Ethiopian Airlines agreement reflects a growing trend towards interline and codeshare partnerships aimed at improving connectivity and passenger convenience. While similar arrangements exist between other major African carriers, such as Kenya Airways and South African Airways, the scale and reach of this new partnership are notable given Ethiopian Airlines’ global network and Air Peace’s position as Nigeria’s largest airline. However, without official background data, it is not possible to provide comparative figures on the number of interline agreements or their impact on passenger flows in the region.
Background figures highlight the importance of both airlines in African aviation. Ethiopian Airlines operates passenger and cargo services to more than 160 domestic and international destinations across five continents. The airline, a member of Star Alliance, has a modern fleet that includes Boeing 737, 777, and 787 aircraft, Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, and De Havilland Q400 turboprops. Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest airline, offering domestic, regional, and international services, and continues to expand its route network across Africa, Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Both airlines play a key role in connecting African travellers to the world and supporting economic development.
The new interline agreement builds on earlier decisions by both airlines to expand their networks and pursue strategic partnerships. Ethiopian Airlines has a history of forming alliances to improve connectivity, while Air Peace has steadily grown its domestic and international presence. The current agreement is described by Air Peace Chairman and CEO Dr Allen Onyema as “another milestone” in the airline’s efforts to strengthen aviation connectivity across the continent. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr Mesfin Tasew said the partnership reflects both airlines’ commitment to improving connectivity and passenger convenience while supporting the growth of air transport across Africa.
There are still open questions about the implementation of the agreement. The airlines have not yet announced the effective date for the new interline arrangement, nor have they published a list of eligible routes or clarified when the partnership will be available in GDS for travel agencies. It is also unclear whether the agreement will include special fares, group booking options, or additional benefits for frequent flyers. Agencies should expect further updates from both airlines as operational details are finalised and the partnership is rolled out.
Looking ahead, the Air Peace–Ethiopian Airlines interline agreement may help shape the future of intra-African and international air connectivity. By simplifying booking processes and expanding network options, the partnership could make African air travel more attractive and competitive. This may support the growth of tourism, trade, and investment across the continent, and position African carriers as stronger players in the global aviation market. The travel trade should monitor developments closely and be prepared to advise clients on new opportunities as the agreement takes effect.
Sources: Organisation, official press release, November 2026; no background URLs found in this session.
