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The memorandum signed by Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines establishes codeshare and interline cooperation that will let Etihad passengers travel onward from Accra across Ghana and other West African points on the local carrier’s network while Africa World Airlines customers gain access to Abu Dhabi and more than 100 additional destinations worldwide. Cargo collaboration will connect Ghanaian and regional exporters to Etihad Cargo’s global network according to the airlines. The partnership also includes frequent-flyer reciprocity so members of both programmes can earn and redeem miles on a wider range of routes. Implementation will occur in stages following the agreement’s effective date of July 24 2026 the carriers said in a joint statement.
Arik De chief commercial officer of Etihad Airways described Ghana as a dynamic market with Africa World Airlines as the natural partner for the agreement. “Ghana dynamic market; AWA natural partner; framework connects Ghana to Abu Dhabi/global markets. Here to grow with Ghana” De said. The deal supports Etihad’s ongoing expansion across Africa the airline’s earlier announcements indicated. Africa World Airlines has maintained operations in the region for more than a decade providing vital connectivity the statement noted.
Africa World Airlines operates a fleet of eight Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft and serves seven destinations including Kumasi Tamale and Takoradi within Ghana plus Lagos and Abuja in Nigeria and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso according to the carrier’s published data. The Accra-based airline has carried more than five million passengers since launching services in 2012 its records show. Sohail Mahmood chief operating officer of Africa World Airlines highlighted the direct connection the partnership creates. “AWA connected Ghana/West Africa >10yrs (e.g. Kumasi/Tamale/Takoradi/Lagos/Abuja/Ouagadougou); partnership gives direct line to Abu Dhabi network, supports Ghanaian travelers/businesses” Mahmood stated. The cooperation will allow combined journeys to go on sale once interline elements activate the airlines added.
This agreement paves the way for Etihad’s planned direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Accra set to begin on March 24 2027 according to the carriers’ timetable. The new route forms one element of Etihad’s April 2026 announcement to add six African destinations that will nearly double its network on the continent to 14 cities the airline reported. Boeing 787-9 aircraft will operate the Accra service as part of the fleet deployment outlined in that expansion plan. The partnership with the established Ghanaian operator will help integrate the new route into existing regional traffic flows.
Etihad Airways grew its fleet by 29 aircraft during 2025 bringing the total to 127 units as it pursues broader international growth an airline assessment found. The African market has become a priority for the Abu Dhabi carrier which aims to position the city as a key hub linking the continent with Asia and the Middle East. Africa World Airlines’ regional expertise will complement Etihad’s long-haul capabilities under the new framework the statement concluded. Details on specific implementation timelines for each cooperation area will be released separately.
