Etihad Airways Strengthens African Partnerships with Three New Airline Agreements

As part of its aggressive African expansion strategy, Etihad Airways has announced new partnerships with Africa World Airlines (AWA), Air Peace, and Fastjet Zimbabwe, significantly improving connectivity across West, Central, and Southern Africa. The agreements will provide passengers with seamless travel on a single ticket while expanding cargo and loyalty program cooperation.

Africa World Airlines Partnership

Etihad Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa World Airlines (AWA), Ghana’s largest domestic and regional airline. The agreement lays the foundation for a strategic partnership covering codeshare and interline cooperation, as well as cargo collaboration and frequent flyer program integration. Beyond passenger travel, the partnership will connect Ghanaian and West African exporters to Etihad Cargo’s extensive global freight network, while members of both airlines’ loyalty programs will gain additional opportunities to earn and redeem rewards.

Air Peace Partnership

Etihad has also entered into an interline agreement with Nigeria’s largest privately owned airline, Air Peace. The agreement enables Etihad passengers arriving in Lagos and Accra to book onward travel on a single ticket to approximately 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa. The partnership makes travel across the region significantly easier by allowing baggage to be checked through to the final destination while improving connectivity between Africa and Etihad’s global network.

Fastjet Zimbabwe Partnership

Etihad Airways has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fastjet Zimbabwe to establish an interline partnership, future codeshare agreement, and frequent flyer cooperation. The agreement was signed in Harare on 7 July 2026, with ticket sales beginning on 24 August 2026. Under the partnership, passengers flying with Etihad will be able to connect seamlessly from Harare to Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.

Why These Partnerships Matter

These three agreements complement Etihad Airways’ recently announced expansion to six new African destinations, strengthening the airline’s presence across the continent without relying solely on launching its own flights. By partnering with established regional carriers, Etihad gains access to dozens of additional destinations while providing African travelers with easier one-stop connections through Abu Dhabi to Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The partnerships also support cargo growth, tourism, and trade, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a major gateway linking Africa with the rest of the world.