Canada, Nigeria Expand Air Travel Agreement
The expanded bilateral deal will allow multiple airlines to operate direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries starting next year.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Air Travel
Live Poll
Would you consider flying directly to Nigeria once these new routes launch?
Canada and Nigeria agreed to an expanded bilateral air travel agreement that will see multiple airlines operating 14 weekly passenger flights and 10 weekly cargo flights between the two countries when it takes effect next year. The move follows Air Transat's cancellation of a planned non-stop Toronto to Accra, Ghana route.
Why it matters
The agreement partly reflects the growing number of Nigerians choosing to live and study in Canada, and it aims to shorten current travel and cargo transit times. Current passenger trips can take up to 48 hours depending on connections, and Nigerian cargo takes one to two weeks to arrive in Canada.
The agreement sets 14 weekly passenger and 10 weekly cargo flights between Canada and Nigeria, compared with current trips that can take up to 48 hours through connections. Which airlines will operate the routes and which Canadian cities will serve as departure points remain unconfirmed.
The players
Air Transat
A Canadian leisure airline that cancelled its planned non-stop Toronto to Accra route before the first flight took off.
The details
Direct flights will operate under the expanded bilateral air travel agreement, with multiple airlines providing both passenger and cargo service. Economy fares on the new route are estimated at $1,100 to $1,200, and business class fares at $3,000 to $4,000, while Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver are considered likely departure points.
Timeline
November 2026: Canada and Nigeria reach the expanded air travel agreement.
Earlier in 2026: Air Transat cancels its planned Toronto to Accra flight before its first departure.
Next year (2027): The agreement comes into effect.
Spring to summer 2027: Direct Canada-Nigeria flight services are expected to begin.
Travel Outlook
The expansion extends Canada's bilateral air services framework to a corridor shaped by sizable Nigerian immigration, which has made Nigeria the fifth-leading source country for newcomers between 2016 and 2021. Direct service would also reduce reliance on European connecting hubs such as Paris that travelers currently use.
Travelers between Canada and Nigeria can expect direct options to cut the current connection-based trip, which can reach 48 hours, once service launches. Early fare estimates of $1,100 to $1,200 for economy suggest budgeting accordingly, and exact pricing will depend on the airlines selected.
The takeaway
Bilateral aviation agreements can turn long, connection-dependent routes into direct service, so travelers and shippers should watch for airline announcements before the 2027 launch. Early booking and flexible plans will matter once fares and schedules are published.
What happens next
Direct Canada-Nigeria flight services are expected to begin between spring and summer 2027, when the expanded agreement takes effect.
Further reading
Explore more in Air Travel to see how new routes and airline agreements shape international trips.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CTVNews.
Live Poll
Would you consider flying directly to Nigeria once these new routes launch?
