By Zobia Zulfqar 
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Ghana-based Africa World Airlines (AWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening air connectivity between Ghana, West Africa and global destinations.
The agreement covers codeshare and interline cooperation, cargo collaboration and frequent flyer programmes, creating a framework for the two airlines to connect their networks and provide passengers with wider travel options. (Etihad Global)
The MoU was signed in Accra and provides for the gradual implementation of the various areas of cooperation.
Once the interline arrangement takes effect, Etihad passengers will be able to travel beyond Accra on a single ticket to destinations served by Africa World Airlines across Ghana and West Africa.
At the same time, AWA passengers will gain access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad Airways’ network of 118 destinations. (Etihad Global)
The partnership is expected to improve the convenience of travel for passengers by allowing them to combine the networks of both airlines as part of a single journey.
For Ghanaian and West African travellers, the arrangement could provide greater access to Abu Dhabi and destinations beyond the UAE, while Etihad customers would gain improved connections to cities and regional destinations served by AWA.
Africa World Airlines has operated in Ghana and the wider West African region for more than a decade. Its network includes destinations such as Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Lagos, Abuja and Ouagadougou. (Etihad Global)
Cargo cooperation
The agreement also extends beyond passenger services to include cargo operations.
Under the proposed partnership, the airlines intend to connect Ghanaian and West African exporters with the global capacity of Etihad Cargo.
The cooperation could provide businesses with additional opportunities to move goods between West Africa and international markets through Etihad’s network.
This is particularly relevant for exporters and businesses that depend on reliable international air freight services to reach customers and markets outside the region.
The airlines also plan to cooperate on their frequent flyer programmes. The arrangement is expected to give members of both programmes additional opportunities to earn and redeem rewards when travelling across the combined networks. (Etihad Global)
Stronger Ghana-UAE connectivity
The partnership comes as economic and commercial ties between Ghana and the UAE continue to develop.
The two countries have growing links in areas including trade, investment and business, creating increased demand for reliable connections between Accra and the UAE.
The agreement is also expected to support the development of stronger aviation links between the two markets.
The MoU took effect on July 24, 2026, with the individual areas of cooperation expected to be introduced in stages. (Etihad Global)
The partnership also prepares the way for Etihad’s planned Abu Dhabi-Accra service, which is scheduled to begin on March 24, 2027. Combined journeys are expected to become available once the interline cooperation takes effect. (Etihad Global)
Arik De, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, described Ghana as one of West Africa’s dynamic aviation markets and said Africa World Airlines was a natural partner for the airline.
He said the agreement would cover passenger services, cargo and loyalty while connecting Ghanaian travellers and businesses to Abu Dhabi and Etihad’s wider network.
Sohail Mahmood, Chief Operating Officer of Africa World Airlines, said the partnership would strengthen the airline’s ability to connect Ghana and West Africa with international destinations.
He said the cooperation across passenger, cargo and loyalty services would give AWA customers access to Abu Dhabi and create additional opportunities for Ghanaian travellers and international businesses. (Etihad Global)
Partnership to expand in stages
The airlines said details of the interline, codeshare, cargo and loyalty arrangements would be announced as each component is implemented.
The partnership therefore represents the beginning of a broader cooperation rather than the immediate rollout of all planned services.
For passengers, the most significant change will come through the planned network integration, which is expected to simplify travel between West African destinations and Abu Dhabi.
For businesses, cargo cooperation could create additional channels for exporting goods from Ghana and other West African markets.
The loyalty component will also allow frequent travellers to benefit from closer integration between the two airlines’ programmes.
The agreement marks another step in Etihad Airways’ expansion of its African network and strengthens Africa World Airlines’ international connectivity through a major global aviation partner.
As implementation progresses, passengers and businesses in Ghana and across West Africa are expected to gain access to broader travel, cargo and loyalty options through the combined networks of the two airlines.
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