Nigeria-Italy Flights

Nigeria is actively pursuing the reinstatement of direct flights with Italy, a move poised to unlock significant opportunities for African travel agents. This initiative aims to revitalize the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two nations, promising a boost to economic ties and a fresh revenue stream for travel professionals across the continent.

The push for renewed air connectivity gained momentum at the recent Nigeria-Italy Investment Summit 2025 held in Abuja. Discussions highlighted the economic disruption caused by the cessation of direct flights by former carriers Alitalia and Air Italy. While Neos Airlines briefly operated a Milan-Lagos route in late 2024, the demand for consistent, direct air travel remains strong.

Historically, Italy has been a key trading partner for Nigeria, with bilateral trade reaching €2.5 billion in 2024. The absence of direct flights has added complexity and cost to travel between the two countries, hindering business interactions and potentially impacting trade volumes. The restoration of direct flights is expected to streamline travel, reduce costs, and facilitate stronger economic ties.

For African travel agents, this presents a valuable opportunity. The renewed air link opens doors for creating attractive travel packages catering to both business and leisure travelers. Agents can leverage the increased convenience and cost savings of direct flights to attract clients seeking seamless travel experiences between Nigeria and Italy.

The potential benefits extend beyond just passenger travel. Enhanced air connectivity can also boost cargo shipping efficiency, facilitating trade and opening new avenues for businesses in both countries. This presents further opportunities for travel agents to expand their services and cater to the growing demands of the commercial sector.

Looking ahead, projections suggest a significant increase in trade volume between Nigeria and Italy, potentially reaching €3.12 billion by 2027 with the restoration of direct flights. This growth trajectory underscores the economic potential of enhanced air connectivity and reinforces the business case for travel agents to capitalize on this emerging market.

The projected annual passenger volume between the two countries is also promising, estimated to reach 39,000 by 2027. This substantial passenger base represents a significant market for travel agents to tap into, offering a wide range of opportunities to create tailored travel packages and cater to diverse client needs.

Compared to current indirect routing options, direct flights offer substantial time and cost savings. Analysis indicates an average time saving of seven hours and an average cost saving of €200 per passenger. These compelling advantages provide travel agents with strong selling points to attract clients seeking efficient and affordable travel solutions.

The revival of the Nigeria-Italy air link is more than just a transportation development; it’s a catalyst for economic growth and enhanced business opportunities. By staying informed about the progress of the BASA negotiations and proactively developing travel packages that leverage the benefits of direct flights, African travel agents can position themselves at the forefront of this exciting new market.