Yesterday, Transport Canadaannounced that it was expanding international air transport agreements between Canada and the Côte d’Ivoire. The agreement increases the destinations available, the frequency of passenger and cargo flights, and the potential for fifth-freedom cargo flights.

The development builds on a long-standing relationship between the two countries. Côte d’Ivoire is currently Canada’s fourth-largest bilateral trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also home to a rapidly growing aviation market.

What’s Included In The Canada-Côte d’Ivoire Deal?

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The main aspect of this deal is a growth in the total number of passenger flights allowed between the two countries, which will rise to 14 passenger-combination flights each week for each nation. This doubles the previous capacity. These flights, along with cargo flights, will be permitted to any relevant airport in each nation.

The deal also expands cargo capacity. There will now be a maximum of 10 all-cargo flights allowed per week for both Canada and Côte d’Ivoire.

The Canada-Côte d’Ivoire deal also includes a fifth-freedom cargo expansion. This allows flights between two foreign nations, provided they start or end in the carrier’s home country. The deal gives fifth freedom rights for “all-cargo flights at points in Africa, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.”

What The Politicians Are Saying

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The agreement has huge potential for both Canada and Côte d’Ivoire, which already had a close aviation and trade relationship. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two nations was worth $1.2 billion, according to Skies Mag. It adds to Canada’s portfolio of air transport agreements, which currently cover 125 nations.

The Honorable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Canadian Government in the House of Commons, commented on the agreement.

“Our government is proud to announce this new agreement with Cote d’Ivoire, which will help grow our two economies while creating new opportunities for our people and our businesses. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to growth, partnership, and prosperity.”

The Honorable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, also pointed to a 32% increase in trade between the two countries over the past year. He hopes that the deal will lead to further investment ties that will benefit workers and businesses in Canada and the Côte d’Ivoire.

The Deal Is Another Leap Forward For Côte d’Ivoire’s Aviation Sector

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The most recent deal signed with Canada is another signal that the Côte d’Ivoire’s aviation sector is one of the most exciting ones to watch in sub-Saharan Africa. It has made substantial progress in recent years, particularly through Air Côte d’Ivoire, the nation’s flag carrier. For example, it announced in 2024 that it would be the official carrier for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The airline was responsible for carrying national teams, officials, supporters, sports equipment and more between venues across Côte d’Ivoire. The airline showed it could handle the pressures of a substantial capacity increase.

The table below shows data for Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s most significant commercial airport.

Big Airports

It has also been almost 12 months since Air Côte d’Ivoire began its first long-haul route. The carrier started Airbus A330-900neo flights to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG). This jet has a high-premium 242-seat layout. The nation’s flag carrier does not currently fly to Canada or to any transatlantic destinations. Perhaps the most recent deal will give it an opportunity to do so.